- May 21, 2026
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As a linebacker at Texas Tech last season, linebacker Jacob Rodriguez as a unanimous All-American, and his long list of honors included the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and Chuck Bednarik Award, both of which recognize the best defensive player in the country, as well as receiving the most Heisman Trophy votes of any defensive player.
But despite being the best defensive player in college football, he slipped to the second round of the 2026 NFL draft, where the Dolphins took him 43rd overall. That looks like a very good pick — and a very big mistake by a lot of the teams that passed on him.
Rodriguez is currently the betting favorite to be the NFL's Defensive Rookie of the Year, after an outstanding game against the Chiefs on Sunday that saw him intercept Patrick Mahomes and tackle Kenneth Walker behind the line of scrimmage three times.
The current betting odds have Rodriguez at +400 to win Defensive Rookie of the Year, followed by his Texas Tech teammate, Jets linebacker David Bailey, at +450. Next in the odds are three Ohio State players: Commanders linebacker Sonny Styles at +700, Giants linebacker Arvell Reese at +800 and Cowboys safety Caleb Downs at +850.
But despite being the best defensive player in college football, he slipped to the second round of the 2026 NFL draft, where the Dolphins took him 43rd overall. That looks like a very good pick — and a very big mistake by a lot of the teams that passed on him.
Rodriguez is currently the betting favorite to be the NFL's Defensive Rookie of the Year, after an outstanding game against the Chiefs on Sunday that saw him intercept Patrick Mahomes and tackle Kenneth Walker behind the line of scrimmage three times.
The current betting odds have Rodriguez at +400 to win Defensive Rookie of the Year, followed by his Texas Tech teammate, Jets linebacker David Bailey, at +450. Next in the odds are three Ohio State players: Commanders linebacker Sonny Styles at +700, Giants linebacker Arvell Reese at +800 and Cowboys safety Caleb Downs at +850.