The Miami Dolphins have selected Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez with the No. 43 overall pick in the NFL Draft, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
Rodriguez, a standout defender for the Red Raiders, joins a Dolphins defensive unit looking to bolster its linebacker corps with versatile talent. According to Rapoport, the prospect is widely considered a favorite among defensive coordinators at the professional level due to his high-level play and football IQ displayed during his collegiate career.
The selection marks the Dolphins' latest move in the second round as they continue to address key needs on the defensive side of the ball. Rodriguez transitions to the NFL after a productive tenure in the Big 12, where he earned a reputation as a hard-hitting and reliable presence in the middle of the field.
Standing as a significant addition to the Miami roster, Rodriguez is expected to compete for immediate playing time in a defensive system that prioritizes range and physicality. The Dolphins front office continues to focus on high-motor players as the draft progresses through the second day of selections.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Sources & Original Reporting