In a league increasingly defined by turnovers and efficiency, linebackers who can process quickly, finish tackles, and take the football away carry premium value. That's precisely what the Washington Commanders should be looking for this offseason, especially with Bobby Wagner likely to retire or take his chances elsewhere in free agency.
And that might just come at some stage during the 2026 NFL Draft.
For Jacob Rodriguez, he isn't simply a high-floor evaluation; he is a tone-setter whose instincts, ball skills, and consistency project him as a long-term core piece of an NFL defense. Let's dive into the tape.
Texas Tech LB Jacob Rodriguez 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report
Notes:
- Height: 6-foot-1 (verified)
- Weight: 233 pounds (verified)
- Expected 40-Yard Dash: 4.50–4.56 seconds
College Production: Highly productive multi-year starter with impact plays across the stat sheet, including tackles for loss, forced fumbles, pass breakups, and turnovers.
Positives:
- Elite football instincts — diagnoses run and pass concepts instantly and beats blockers to the spot.
- Outstanding ball awareness. Consistently around the football with strong takeaway production.
- High-level processor in zone coverage. Anticipates throwing windows and undercuts routes.
- Sure-fire tackler. Finishes plays cleanly and limits yards after contact.
- Plays fast without playing recklessly. Rare balance of aggression and discipline.
- Natural leader at the second level. Commands the defense and communicates pre-snap.
- Projectable three-down linebacker with immediate starting ability at the next level.
Rodriguez erases mistakes, creates turnovers, and keeps defenses on schedule — traits that translate cleanly to the NFL level.
Negatives:
- Does not possess elite length or freakish athletic measurables, which could hurt his stock.
- Wins more with anticipation and timing than raw explosiveness.
- Pass-rush impact is more opportunistic than scheme-driven.
Jacob Rodriguez NFL Player Comparison: Fred Warner
This player comparison is from a stylistic standpoint, rooted in instincts, coverage intelligence, and tackling reliability rather than identical physical profiles. Like Fred Warner, Rodriguez wins with anticipation, discipline, and an innate feel for the game, allowing him to play faster than his testing numbers may suggest.
Jacob Rodriguez NFL Draft Grade: Day 1
Rodriguez carries a Day 1 grade in the 2026 NFL Draft and projects as an immediate starter with long-term cornerstone potential. For the Commanders, he would step in as a defensive centerpiece — someone who raises the floor of the unit while also providing splash plays through takeaways and elite tackling consistency.