Jacob Rodriguez Scouting Report

By: Michael Higgins

(Image courtesy of Jerome Miron/Imagn Images)

School: Texas Tech

Class: Redshirt Senior

Position: LB

HT: 6’1

WT: 231 lbs

Background: Jacob Rodriguez was primarily recruited as a quarterback out of high school. Out of Wichita Falls, Texas, Rodriguez played quarterback and safety for Rider High School. Jacob was a 3-star and top 500 player in the 2021 class. Throughout his time at Rider, he passed for 7,085 yards while rushing for 3,051. He was named the District MVP as both a junior and a senior. Rodriguez committed to Virginia out of Rider as a pure athlete over Texas Tech, Baylor, and others.

College: In his one season with the Cavaliers, Rodriguez was used in a similar role that we see Taysom Hill in. He played quarterback, wide receiver, and running back. He transferred to Texas Tech, a school he was originally considering out of high school, ahead of the 2022 season. As a Red Raider, he immediately transitioned to the linebacker position. He totaled 29 tackles and 3 TFLs in his first season with the Red Raiders. Jacob was forcded to redshirt in 2023 due to injury, but came back in 2024 to be one of the best linebackers in the country. He registered 127 tackles, 10.5 TFLs, and 5 sacks on his way to being named an All-Big 12 First Team member. Rodriguez only got better in 2025, as he even received Heisman votes. He was named a First Team All-Big 12 and First Team All-American after posting 117 tackles, 11 TFLs, 4 interceptions, and 7 forced fumbles.

Strengths: Jacob Rodriguez has the athleticism to succeed in the NFL at the linebacker position. He also has the combine results to back up that notion. Rodriguez has excellent instincts in coverage. As a zone defender, he takes up a large portion of the middle of the field and knows when to peel off his initial assignment. He is a magnet for the football, which is reflected in high tackle totals during his time at Texas Tech. He is quick to trigger and get downhill to meet the runner at the line of scrimmage. Each step creates serious momentum and he brings serious pop to the contact point. He is a high motor player who never stops. Jacob is a twitchy athlete and a difficult landmark for offensive linemen to hit in open space. His lateral agility combined with his strength allows him to work through and around blockers.

Weaknesses: Rodriguez does not shed blocks well and can be washed out by bigger offensive linemen if he allows them to get their grip on his pads. When pursuing the football, Rodriguez tends to pursue his first read of the ball carrier. Any change of direction or trickery behind the line of scrimmage will make Rodriguez miss. Rodriguez has issues with missed tackles due to his shorter arms. He struggles to wrap up consistently.

Conclusion: Jacob Rodriguez is a player who burst onto the scene later in his college career. He has had some incredible production in his last couple of years but is still a work in progress as a processor. It is unclear if Rodriguez has what it takes to be a true commander of a defense at this point.

Best Team Fits: MIN, LAR, WSH

Player Comparison: Bobby Wagner

Player Grade: Round 3 (78.1)