When it comes to offseason priorities, once the Dallas Cowboys had defensive coordinator Christian Parker in place, the general sentiment was that the team would look to fill the biggest hole on the roster–linebacker–quickly and effectively. And by most accounts, they tried, with free-agent pitches to three of the best linebackers on the market: Devin Lloyd, Quay Walker and Nakobe Dean. But the Cowboys struck out on that front, and we’re now one week out from the draft, with Dallas still very much in need of someone (or maybe two) to man the middle of the defense.
There has been talk of trade targets, or of bringing in well-aged veterans. But no matter what the Cowboys do in terms of transactions for established linebackers, it’s almost certain that Dallas will draft at least one rookie linebacker in the coming days.
And it is clear that Texas Tech star Jacob Rodriguez would like that rookie to be him.
Jacob Rodriguez Would ‘Love to be’ With Cowboys
Rodriguez was a star in Lubbock this season as the Red Raiders beefed up their defense into one of the best in the nation. He followed up a 2024 season in which he recorded 127 tackles, including 77 solo tackles (which led the nation), with 128 tackles last year, also adding four interceptions and two fumble recoveries. He was also named the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year, and was given the award at the Cowboys’ facility on Thursday night.
Asked about the possibility of being drafted by the Cowboys, Rodriguez did not hesitate: “I would argue that anybody that sees this facility would say they’d love to be here. It’s an amazing place, filled with amazing people.”
Cowboys Had Meeting at NFL draft Combine
Rodriguez did say he has had contact with the Cowboys, who currently own picks No. 12 and 20, and don’t pick again until No. 92 in the third round. Most likely, 20th is too high for Rodriguez, who is considered a mid-second-rounder, but it’s possible that the Cowboys could add a second-round pick if they made an NFL draft trade.
Rodriguez said the Cowboys left an impression on him.
“I was fortunate enough to have a visit with them at the combine, a full interview with them. I really love coach and everything we were talking about in that room. As the process has gone along, they actually got to come out to Lubbock for our pro day,” he said.
“So we got to sit down and have dinner with them. I think the biggest thing is, they’re just great people. I believe they’re great coaches, CP and their defensive staff are going to do a lot of good things this year, they are a lot of great people to be around. But the biggest thing was, they’re great people. And they’re really cool to be around. And they’re great guys.”
Jacob Rodriguez Interceptions ‘Set Me Apart’
It’s likely the feeling is mutual. The Cowboys are expected to pick one of line backer CJ Allen of Georgia, Anthony Hill of Texas or Rodriguez, either late in the first round or early in the second.
Rodriguez gave a self-scouting report: “I take the football away at a high level. I think that’s what you want, as a defensive player, to go for the ball. The biggest part, if you have great teammates who are able to—you can play free that way.
“Everybody’s running to the football and when you have guys who are willing to strain as hard as they can to pick the ball up or get to the quarterback, so I can be in position to make a play when the ball is thrown. All that stuff really helps, but I think that is what set me apart this year.”
Top Linebacker Target Issues Strong Statement on Cowboys