The Dallas Cowboys’ defense has a need. A need for speed. And there is no bigger need for fast players than at the linebacker position. The team has attempted to get by with some veteran players, such as Eric Kendricks and Kenneth Murray Jr., in recent seasons while younger players continue to develop, but they have lacked stability at the position.
Despite some modest activity in free agency to patch the holes, the front office has not yet landed a long-term solution at the second level. The time has come for the Cowboys to look toward the draft for a fresh infusion of energy, and there is one particular prospect who plays with the kind of reckless abandon that would put a smile back on Jerry Jone’s face.
LB, Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech
Height: 6’1” | Weight: 231 pounds | Speed: 4.57 forty time
Background
Jacob Rodriguez did not take the traditional path to becoming a defensive stud. He began his collegiate career at the University of Virginia, where he was essentially the Swiss Army knife of the roster. Originally a quarterback, he spent his time under center, lining up at tight end, and even taking snaps as a wildcat runner. Eventually, he decided that instead of managing the offense, he would much rather dismantle it.
He transferred to Texas Tech and fully transitioned to the linebacker position, a move that proved to be a stroke of genius. Over the last two seasons, he has transformed into a tackling machine for the Red Raiders. His most eye-popping statistic is his ability to displace the football from its owner, as he famously tied an NCAA record by forcing seven fumbles in a single season.
Strengths
When you watch Rodriguez play, the first thing you notice is a level of intensity that suggests he might have replaced his morning coffee with rocket fuel. He possesses an elite lateral burst that allows him to shoot through gaps before offensive linemen can blink. His motor simply does not have an off switch, as he will chase a ball carrier forty yards downfield just to prove a point. This agility makes him a nightmare in pursuit, allowing him to navigate through traffic with the grace of a gazelle and the impact of a sledgehammer.
Beyond physical traits, Rodriguez operates with a high level of football intelligence, serving as his secret weapon. Because he spent so much time as a quarterback, he can read an opposing signal-caller like an open book. He often anticipates the play-call before the ball is snapped, putting him in a perfect position to blow up screens or fill running lanes. Off the field, he is regarded as a high-character leader who brings an infectious positive energy to the locker room, making him the exact type of glue guy coaches love to have on their side.