The Miami Dolphins 2026 NFL Draft class represented a much-needed roster infusion and some new young talent for the fan base to get excited about.
Despite not being one of the first two players selected, perhaps no Dolphins draft pick generated more excitement than Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez, whom the team selected in the second-round. Even though Rodriguez was not taken in the first round, his jersey became the second-most popular among rookies, according to Fanatics.
With 128 tackles, seven forced fumbles and three total touchdowns, Rodriguez was one of the most exciting players in college football during the 2025 season, which resulted in him finishing fifth in Heisman Trophy voting. Now, as a member of the Dolphins, one ESPN analyst believes he could make an immediate impact.
Miami Dolphins Rookie Receives Strong Prediction From ESPN Analyst
ESPN’s Field Yates listed players selected in the second and third day of the 2026 NFL Draft that he expected would be able to make an immediate impact on their team. Among them was Miami Dolphins linebacker Jacob Rodriguez.
Regarding Rodriguez, Yates wrote:
“Rodriguez boosted his stock as much as anyone in the 2026 draft class over the past year. He is rangy, instinctive and intelligent, and he has a rare ability to generate turnovers (he forced seven fumbles and intercepted four passes in 2025).
The Dolphins are at the ground floor of their rebuild, but pairing Rodriguez with veteran inside linebacker Jordyn Brooks is reason for excitement. Rodriguez will be a team leader and a productive player in no time.”
While Rodriguez’s selection working out well for the Dolphins remains a mystery, the early reviews on the linebacker have been extremely positive, with some drawing comparisons to Dolphins Hall of Famer Zach Thomas.
Dolphins Coaches Praise Jacob Rodriguez
Rodriguez has apparently made a quick impression on his new coaching staff after the Dolphins concluded rookie minicamp.
Regarding Rodriguez, Miami Dolphins linebacker coach Al Washington said, “He’s incredibly instinctive. I think he’s really efficient and he’s a really good tackler. When you think of tackling, there’s two types. There’s the knock them back, maybe like in the mid-90s. And Jacob has that, but I think the thing that I saw was in open field, there’s a high percentage of tackles being made as opposed to missed tackles.”
Washington added, “And to be honest, this was good for me, coming from college to the NFL, you watch nothing but college tape. And the separator was just that, a lot of guys struggle in the open field. And you think about the athletes at this level, I haven’t seen a bad one. I’m watching tape, the second string running back is like… so everybody’s athletic. So being able to do that, being able to get yourself in a good base, being able to strike the appropriate way in open field is special.”
Despite only being with the Dolphins for a short time, Washington continued to praise Rodriguez as he said, “It’s been a week, I think a week now, but he’s been incredibly impressive in terms of his approach.”
Dolphins Land Strong Prediction Regarding Jacob Rodriguez After Rookie Minicamp