The Miami Dolphins have selected Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez with the 43rd overall pick in the second round of the 2026 NFL draft, according to multiple verified reports from the draft proceedings held on April 24, 2026.
Rodriguez, a 6-foot-1, 231-pound defender, earned national recognition following his final collegiate season, winning both the Bronko Nagurski Trophy as the nation’s top defender and the Butkus Award as college football’s top linebacker. His 2025 season at Texas Tech included 128 tackles (11 for loss), six pass breakups, four interceptions, and one sack, which contributed to a fifth-place finish in Heisman Trophy voting.
The Dolphins’ selection was announced by Pro Football Hall of Fame center Dwight Stephenson during the team’s second-round draft proceedings. Rodriguez began his college career at Virginia in 2021 before transferring to Texas Tech ahead of the 2022 season. Over 44 games with the Red Raiders, he accumulated 316 tackles, 13 forced fumbles, 12 pass breakups, six interceptions, six sacks, and two fumble returns for touchdowns.
At 24 years old entering his rookie NFL season, Rodriguez joins a Dolphins defense looking to add playmaking ability at the linebacker position. His draft profile highlights a player who excelled in both run defense and pass coverage during his collegiate career, particularly noted for his ball-hawking skills with six interceptions and two defensive touchdowns over his final two seasons.
The pick represents Miami’s continued investment in defensive talent during the 2026 NFL draft, following earlier selections in the first round. Rodriguez will now transition to the professional level where he will compete for playing time alongside established veterans on the Dolphins’ roster.
As Rodriguez prepares for his NFL debut, his immediate focus will be on adapting to the speed and complexity of professional offenses during the team’s offseason program and training camp. His performance will be monitored closely as he seeks to contribute to Miami’s defensive schemes in the upcoming season.
The Dolphins’ next official team activity will be the mandatory minicamp scheduled for June 2026, where all drafted players are expected to report for on-field workouts. Fans and analysts will watch Rodriguez’s development as he begins his professional career with the organization.
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