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Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez (LB21) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Jacob Rodriguez managed to make himself more well known than most linebackers ever have in college football.
The Texas Tech star LB was so popular he ended up garnering a lot of support for the Heisman Trophy, which is quite rare at his position.
He's now part of the 2026 NFL Draft class, which potentially brings the spotlight back on Rodriguez.
It wasn't quite clear entering the three-day proceedings when Rodriguez would go off the board.
2026 NFL DRAFT HQ: Live tracker | Pick-by-pick grades | Best players still available
Did Jacob Rodriguez get drafted?
Not in Thursday's first round, no.
The first round was the only one that took place on the draft's first day. On Friday, the second and third rounds will happen. Saturday welcomes the fourth through seventh rounds.
The reality is that Rodriguez almost certainly should get picked on Friday.
On ESPN's best player available board after Thursday, Rodriguez sits in the 18th spot.
BEST DRAFT NAMES: Ephesians Prysock | R Mason Thomas | DeVonta Smith | Zxavian Harris
Why didn't Jacob Rodriguez get drafted?
In short, because college productivity doesn't always translate to the NFL.
This is what ESPN says about Rodriguez on that board:
"Rodriguez originally signed with Virginia as a quarterback before transitioning to linebacker with the Red Raiders. He is a technically sound tackler and does a good job anticipating, diagnosing and flowing to the football. He competes through blocks but can get engulfed by interior linemen at times. In zone coverage, he often puts himself in the right position, which led to four interceptions last season -- though he has had some coverage busts on tape. Rodriguez plays with very active hands, cluttering throwing lanes at the line of scrimmage and punching at the ball out. He led the FBS with seven forced fumbles last season."
Rodriguez is also known for his leadership abilities. It seems he'd be a good player to end up with in the NFL.
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