Linebacker is a major need for the Indianapolis Colts in the 2026 NFL draft, and one prospect who could be of interest and help fill that need is Texas Tech’s Jacob Rodriguez.
Longtime NFL analyst and film guru Greg Cosell recently offered high praise for Rodriguez and his game while appearing on the ‘Ross Tucker Football Podcast.’
“I loved watching his tape,” Cosell said. “Here’s one thing I typed in my transition: I said I can’t recall evaluating a linebacker who stayed clean on his scrapes and flows as much as Rodriguez, and he was meeting people in the hole. So he was not making tackles 9-10 yards from the line of scrimmage; he was hitting people in the hole, and his run fits were so good.
Cosell continued, “And by the way, his athletic testing was way better than people thought because when you watch his tape, you see a plus-athlete, not a great athlete, but he just knows how to play linebacker. He’s got an explosively quick trigger.”
Rodriguez was one of PFF’s highest-graded run defenders at the linebacker position. He also had good ball production in coverage, generating four interceptions and three pass breakups. Rodriguez forced seven fumbles as well.
As Cosell mentions, Rodriguez tested very well, which includes posting a 4.57-second 40-time and a Relative Athletic Score of 9.60 out of 10.
Even with the addition of Akeem Davis-Gaither in free agency, the linebacker position group for the Colts is very short on experience. The next most experienced player on the roster at linebacker is Jaylon Carlies, who has played 244 career snaps — most of which came in 2024.
Depth is needed, and more competition for playing time is needed. You name it, the Colts need it at linebacker. This is a position where Ballard should be double-dipping in the NFL draft.
Rodriguez is the 45th-ranked prospect on the consensus big board — the Colts hold the 47th overall pick — but many mock drafts have him being taken in the back end of Round 1.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Longtime film guru has high praise for LB prospect who may interest Colts
Reporting by Paul Bretl, Colts Wire / Colts Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
