The Miami Dolphins made two picks on the first day of the 2026 NFL draft, taking offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor and cornerback Chris Johnson, but the Dolphins brass seem just as fired up about second-round pick Jacob Rodriguez."I can't say enough good things about Jacob, and I think more importantly, the people that have been around him for the time that they have at Texas Tech and the things they say about him, not only as a football player and the intangibles, but the type of person he is – the tape speaks for itself, he's all over the field," general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan said after the selection. "He makes plays everywhere.
His instincts are second to none. He can play in space, on third downs, and he's going to help this football team. But he's a leader.
He's a green dot guy. He'll call the defense in time, and I think he'll fit really well in the room with (Jordyn) Brooks and 'T. Dot' (Tyrel Dodson) and he'd be a great addition to the Miami Dolphins."Rodriguez loaded up his trophy shelf in his final year with the Red Raiders, earning All-American honors and taking home the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Butkus Award, Lombardi Award and Chuck Bednarik Award."Outgoing, a leader, sets the example," Sullivan said.
"He leads through his actions, so when he does speak, he carries weight with his teammates. His work ethic, his energy, his practice habits, those are the things that are all second to none when you talk to the people who are around him every day. Very, very intelligent football player, can call the defense.
He's the guy you want running the show. Then again, his ability to communicate not only with the coaching staff, but with his teammates, they follow him. He's a voice.
He has a very good way about him, and then his actions meet his words, his words meet his actions."So he's easy to follow because he's going to do what he said he's going to do, and then most importantly, on Saturday, now Sunday, he shows up in a big way. It's one thing to do a bunch of talking, but when you talk and you don't perform, that's empty after a while. This guy just shows up every time he steps on the field in a big way.
He's very productive, and I think that's easy to follow when you're his teammate. But yeah, they love him at the school. I can't say enough good things.
He's a very good person and he's got great intangibles when it comes to his craft."Sullivan also insinuated that Rodriguez can compete for a starting job at linebacker, where Brooks and Dodson currently lead the depth chart. With Miami also taking Kyle Louis in the fourth round, it's fair to wonder if one of the veterans could be traded before the start of their final season under contract.Either way, Rodriguez will surely be ready for whatever role he plays in 2026.More Dolphins: 2026 Dolphins undrafted free agent trackerThis article originally appeared on Dolphins Wire: NFL draft: Dolphins gush over second-round pick LB Jacob Rodriguez