Steelers 2026 NFL Draft scouting report: LB Jacob Rodriguez

[ASFN Admin]

In what's shaping up to be one of the best linebacker classes in recent memory, the 2026 NFL Draft offers the Pittsburgh Steelers quality prospects in nearly every round.

Enter Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez, a standout run defender whose violent brand of football would be a perfect fit for Pittsburgh.

Here's a look at Rodriguez's scouting report, containing information on his bio, strengths, concerns, stats, and highlights.

Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech​

• Height: 6 feet 1 inch
• Weight: 231 pounds
• 40-yard dash: 4.57 seconds
• Projection: Late-second round

Strengths​

• Almost never flat-footed when pursuing ball carriers
• Elite run defender
• Great hands when shedding blocks
• Strong coverage instincts
• Insane production: 13 forced fumbles, six interceptions

Concerns​

• Slightly undersized for the position
• Issues with busts in coverage
• Arm length (30 7/8’’) could be troublesome at the next level
• Play-action/misdirection diagnosis needs work

Stats​

• 2022: 29 combined tackles, 3.0 tackles for loss, 0.0 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 0 passes defended, 0 interceptions
• 2023: 32 combined tackles, 1.0 tackles for loss, 0.0 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 1 passes defended, 1 interceptions
• 2024: 127 combined tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 5.0 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 2 passes defended, 1 interceptions
• 2025: 128 combined tackles, 11.0 tackles for loss, 1.0 sacks, 7 forced fumbles, 6 passes defended, 4 interceptions

Highlights​

Jacob Rodriguez (6’1 235) Texas Tech

+ Productive with 255 tackles, 6 sacks, 5 interceptions, and 10 forced fumbles over the last two seasons
+ Team captain and leader
+ Physicality as a tackler
+ Football intelligence and was originally a QB at Virginia
+ Impressive instincts… pic.twitter.com/hgweU9K3L0

— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) January 24, 2026

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This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers NFL Draft scouting report: Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech

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