Ourlads' Profile:
2026 Guide: What Ourlads’ NFL Scouting Services said about JACOB RODRIGUEZ:
Texas Tech | Hometown: Wichita Falls, TX | HT: 6007 | WT: 233 | 40 time: 4.57 | Hand: 0914 | Arm: 3118 | Wing: 7414
Three year starter. Transfer from Virginia in 2022. All-Big 12, Unanimous All-American, Butkus, Bednarik, Lombardi Trophy, and Nagurski award winner in 2025. At Virginia he was a multi-use offensive player being utilized at running back, quarterback, wide receiver, and tight end. Made the transition when he transferred and now he's a highly decorated linebacker albeit with average size and length. He makes the most of his ability. Versatile, he lines up in the box or as an overhang player. Extremely instinctive with a nose for the ball, his ability to read and react is off the charts. Run fits are precise and his quickness and lateral movement allow him to beat blockers to gaps. Excellent agility in traffic he makes blockers miss and gets through the trash to find the ball. Has quick hands to take on and slip blocks on the move. Solid alley to alley defender who scrapes off tackle and meets ball carriers in the hole with very good wrap and drive tackling skill. Has a knack for zone coverage getting depth in his drop while processing route concepts. Can pass off shallow crossers to look for work in underneath zones. Easily flips his hips to find the throwing lane on intermediate throws. Excellent reactions and tracking with the ball in the air, he's made some big hits breaking on underneath throws. Has good ball skills and had six pass breakups along with four interceptions in 2025. Adept at forcing turnovers and has been successful punching balls out causing fumbles. Led the nation with seven forced fumbles. Lacks ideal power taking on blocks as if squared up, a powerful blocker can knock him back. He occasionally doesn't wrap on a tackle and gives up yards after contact. Will under run an outside run at times creating speed concerns. He has three down potential as an NFL linebacker.
2025 Stats: 128 T, 11 TFL, 1 sack, 6 PBU, 1 QBH, 7 FF, 1 FR (1 TD), 4 INT, 2 rushing TD. OSR:6/33. 10-1.59. Draft projection: 1st/2nd round