The Miami Dolphins brought in 13 young players in the 2026 NFL draft that they’re hoping will blossom into starters and difference-makers in the league in the near future, and while their two first-round picks are already penciled in as starters, another rookie is right behind them.
Linebacker Jacob Rodriguez, who Miami took in the second round out of Texas Tech, is currently set to be the third linebacker on the depth chart behind the recently extended Jordyn Brooks and Tyrel Dodson. However, he has the potential to be much more than that.
In fact, former NFL linebacker and NFL Network analyst Manti Te’o recently predicted that the 23-year-old will emerge from training camp as a star.
“Jacob Rodriguez will be a surprise star that will emerge out of the 305,” Te’o said on “Good Morning Football” this week. “Jacob Rodriguez, look at that, there’s clips already. There are clips of this man doing exactly what made him a Heisman candidate in college. He takes the ball away. That is the greatest stat for a defensive player. Look at that peanut punch on this young man. I think Jacob Rodriguez, the reason why they drafted him there is because Jeff Hafley knows, in his scheme, he needs a smart linebacker and somebody that’s going to get the ball to the offense, and Jacob Rodriguez did that at Texas Tech and is going to do that in the NFL. Jacob Rodriguez is my star.”
Dodson only has one year left on his current contract, so the Dolphins are looking for someone to take his place soon. If Rodriguez proves that he’s ready right away, that transition could happen in camp, which may open Miami up to trade the veteran and get something in return quicker than they would if he left in free agency next offseason.
This article originally appeared on Dolphins Wire: Former NFL LB predicts Dolphins rookie will emerge as a star in camp
Reporting by Mike Masala, Dolphins Wire / Dolphins Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Mike Masala, Dolphins Wire | USA TODAY Network
