In the high-stakes world of the NFL Draft, where physical measurables often overshadow the nuances of the game, Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire is making sure the league knows exactly what it is getting in linebacker Jacob Rodriguez. As the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh approaches, Rodriguez has transformed from a productive college player into one of the most intriguing defensive prospects in the nation.
Joey McGuire Raves About Jacob Rodriguez Ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft
McGuire appeared on “The Jim Rome Show” this week to discuss Rodriguez’s NFL Draft potential. While Rodriguez’s statistical output during the 2025 season was historic, McGuire insists that the secret to the linebacker’s success isn’t just found on the stat sheet; it’s found in his daily routine.
McGuire said, “That’s the thing about Jacob Rodriguez, he’s a pro. He’s a guy who knows how to take care of his body, knows how to study the game, and be a great teammate.”
For a program like Texas Tech, which is currently enjoying a resurgence under McGuire’s brand of football, Rodriguez has become the blueprint for the modern student-athlete. Transitioning from a quarterback at Virginia to a unanimous All-American linebacker in Lubbock is a feat of both physical adaptation and mental fortitude.
At 6-foot-1 3/8 and 231 pounds, Rodriguez has been lauded by scouts for his unbridled urgency and physical durability. His commitment to the training room and nutrition allowed him to maintain an elite level of play through a grueling 2025 season. In addition, NFL scouts have noted Rodriguez’s ballhawking instincts.
McGuire attributes this to Rodriguez’s preparation, noting that he often anticipates plays before the snap, a direct result of hours spent in the film room. The reason Rodriguez’s draft stock is soaring isn’t just because of his habits; it’s because of the results those habits produced.
Rodriguez’s 2025 campaign was arguably the greatest single season for a linebacker in Texas Tech history. He became the first player ever to sweep the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Butkus, Bednarik, and Lombardi awards in the same year. He was also ranked second by PFSN’s CFB LB Impact.
Heading into the spring of 2026, Rodriguez was initially viewed as a solid Day 2 pick. However, after a dominant Senior Bowl performance and a stellar showing at the NFL Scouting Combine, his trajectory has shifted. At the Combine, Rodriguez proved his athleticism matched his production, posting a 6.90-second 3-cone drill, the fastest among all participating linebackers.
PFSN’s Jacob Infante also has him going to the Los Angeles Rams in his latest mock draft as the 61st pick. With the draft just weeks away, the former quarterback appears poised to become the next defensive anchor at the professional level.
