After taking Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor and San Diego State cornerback Chris Johnson, the Miami Dolphins were back in action on Day 2 of the 2026 NFL draft.
With pick No. 43 overall in the second round, Miami remained at their spot and took Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez.
Rodriguez, 23, was a three-star recruit out of S. H. Rider High School in Wichita Falls, Texas, before spending one year at Virginia and four at Texas Tech. In his five seasons between the two schools, he recorded 317 tackles, 13 forced fumbles, 12 passes defensed, six sacks, six interceptions and five fumble recoveries.
After taking home the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, the Butkus Award, the Lombardi Award and Chuck Bednarik Award in 2025, the All-American was considered the best defender in college football this past year.
More Dolphins: Dolphins 2026 NFL Draft tracker: Pick-by-pick analysis
This article originally appeared on Dolphins Wire: Dolphins take best collegiate defender in 2025 on Day 2 of NFL draft
Reporting by Mike Masala, Dolphins Wire / Dolphins Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
