Jacob Rodriguez is heading to the NFL, and 32 potential landing spots await the linebacker. After half a decade of clamping down on college offenses, the star Texas Tech linebacker will learn what it was all for.
Of course, while Rodriguez might have his own private thoughts about where he wants to end up, the NFL draft does not offer options for his choosing. The first team that wants to spend a pick on him will get the linebacker. Here’s a look at five potential landing spots that make sense.
Logical Jacob Rodriguez Landing Spots at NFL Draft
#5 – Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos have one of the best defenses in the NFL, but the team is far from rock solid at linebacker. The team attempted to find ways to bolster the unit last offseason in the form of Dre Greenlaw, but it didn’t work. As such, drafting a linebacker with coverage skills (four interceptions in 2025) as well as run-stuffing abilities (21.5 tackles for loss in his final two years) makes plenty of sense.
#4 – New York Jets
The New York Jets are in the middle of a defensive overhaul designed to give Aaron Glenn his desired roster. One way to do that would be to draft Jacob Rodriguez. Rodriguez would help fill the loss of players like Quinnen Williams and give Geno Smith extra possessions with an FBS-leading seven forced fumbles in 2025.
Some of the compensation from the Williams trade (2026 second-round pick, a 2027 first-round pick and Mazi Smith, per a Nov. 4 report by ESPN), could result in Rodriguez, but the final decision lies with the Jets.
#3 – Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders had a humbling experience in 2025 after a breakout year in 2024. It falls on the front office and a healthy Jayden Daniels to prove that his rookie season was not a fluke.
One way to do that is to help the defense, which ranked last in yards allowed per game. The best way to do that is to get players on the ground, which Rodriguez did at a clip higher than anyone in the Big 12 with 77 solo tackles in 2024 and 23 tackles in 2025.
#2 – Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals are in the process of building a defense that can put Joe Burrow in a position to win games. Unfortunately, the unit lost its biggest star in Trey Hendrickson. If Cincinnati can get Jacob Rodriguez and his ability to force turnovers, Burrow might be able to play from ahead in 2026.
#1 – Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys have a Super Bowl offense, but also notoriously struggled to stop opponents in 2025. As such, the defense finds itself in desperate need of some team-changers, and there is not a team more in need of a do-it-all linebacker than Dallas. Of course, with the team’s woes, don’t expect the team to stop drafting defense if it lands Jacob Rodriguez, but it should start with the linebacker.
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