The New England Patriots are in the market for all things defense in the 2026 NFL Draft. Positioned late in a very deep defensive class, the Patriots will have plenty of talent on the board for their 31st and 63rd-overall selections.
Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez is ranked on many big boards smack-dab in the middle of those two selections, but he could wind up being one of the best players in the entire draft.
Rodriguez finished fifth in Heisman voting this past college football season, and if you weren’t able to tune in to some of his Red Raiders games, you really missed out.
Rodriguez had 128 tackles, seven forced fumbles, and four interceptions. The outrageous season wasn’t a fluke either, as he recorded 127 tackles and five sacks the year before.
In my opinion, Rodriguez is a top 10 defensive player in this class. However, since he is an off-the-ball linebacker, his positional value is about as low as it gets in terms of the NFL draft.
During his interviews before the NFL Combine begins on Thursday afternoon, Rodriguez told reporters that he isn’t worried about fitting into a scheme at the next level; he is prepared to play every position on the field.
“I can play at any position that they need me to play,” Rodriguez said. “I can play at SAM out in space, I can play the MIKE, I can be a green dot and I can play the WILL.
“I think I can play any position that they bring up to me, and I think I’m very much capable of doing anything.”
After totalling more than 300 tackles in his college career, you’d be crazy not to believe Rodriguez.
Several mocks have sent the linebacker to New England at pick No. 63, but I struggle to see a future where he is available that late.
With two picks in the fourth round and four in the sixth, I would be in favor of the Patriots trading some capital to get a player like this.
Keep an eye on Rodriguez at the combine, as his athletic numbers will make or break his draft stock.