The Dallas Cowboys are entering Year 2 of the Brian Schottenheimer era after a disappointing 7-9-1 season.
In his first year as head coach, the Cowboys had one of the best offenses in the league, thanks in large part to Schottenheimer’s effective play-calling. However, the team’s defense struggled significantly, ranking 30th in total yards allowed (377.0), 23rd in rushing yards allowed (125.5) and last in both passing yards allowed (251.5) and points allowed (30.1).
The Cowboys had difficulty generating a pass rush and did not receive strong play from their linebackers. This has led CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco to predict that the Cowboys will select Texas Tech Red Raiders star linebacker and Butkus Award winner Jacob Rodriguez with the 20th pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Texas Tech’s Jacob Rodriguez makes the tackle.© Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
(© Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
They can use some linebacker help, and this kid can do it all,” Prisco wrote. “He is good against the run and the pass.”
Rodriguez’s fit in Dallas would address multiple issues at once, particularly the lack of consistency and playmaking at linebacker. With 128 tackles and four interceptions last season, he brings both production and versatility, showing he can impact the game against the run while also holding his own in coverage. That kind of balance is exactly what the Cowboys have been missing in the middle of their defense.
His ability to read plays, flow sideline-to-sideline and create turnovers would immediately elevate the unit’s overall performance. Instead of being a liability, the linebacker position could become a strength, helping to clean up plays and reduce the pressure on a secondary that struggled throughout the year.
If Rodriguez translates that production to the NFL, he could quickly become a centerpiece of the defense. For a team trying to rebound from a disappointing season, adding a player with his instincts and all-around impact could be a key step toward building a more complete and competitive roster.
Related: Cowboys Predicted to Draft Injury-Plagued DB to Help Fix Defensive Woes
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Mar 24, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.