Miami Dolphins select Jacob Rodriguez, linebacker from Texas Tech, with No. 43 pick in 2026 NFL Draft

The Athletic has live coverage of the 2026 NFL Draft.The Miami Dolphins added Texas Tech’s Jacob Rodriguez in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft, taking him Friday with the 43rd pick.Few prospects in this class arrive with a resume like Rodriguez’s. A former walk-on who transitioned from quarterback to linebacker, he became the centerpiece of Texas Tech’s defense, culminating in a 2025 season that saw him holding the Chuck Bednarik, Butkus and Bronko Nagurski awards. As one of the most decorated players to come out of Texas Tech, having recorded 316 career tackles, 25.5 tackles for loss, 13 forced fumbles and six interceptions, Rodriguez also finished fifth in the Heisman Trophy race.Advertisement