Position: Inside Linebacker
Height: 6’1
Weight: 235
Stats: 2025 (13 games) – 117 tackles, 11 TFL, sack, 4 INT, 6 PBU, 2 FR, TD, 7 FF | 52/63, 487 yds, 2 TD allowed, 83.0 QBR targeted | 13% miss tackle rate, 65 run stops
Class/Age: Senior, 22
Team: Texas Tech
Positives:
Rodriguez has a true knack for the ball, he’s an incredibly intelligent inside linebacker who understands the position to an exceptional level. As a former QB he understands run fits, pass drops, and coverage lanes exceptionally well showing good ability to break on the ball in both run and pass situations. Rodriguez has a great initial downhill trigger that allows him to paly aggressive at the POA and utilize his initial burst and quickness effectively. Rodriguez displays strong pursuit skills to pair with an exceptional motor that consistently allows him to stay involved in plays through the entire rep and sideline to sideline. Additionally, Rodriguez shows a great understanding of the run game with the ability to track down backside rushers, utilize strength at the POA to defeat the interior line. The RS Senior is a violent physical player that consistently uses his strength and aggression in both phases of the game staying physical through route concepts and at the POA. Rodriguez best trait comes with his 10 yard burst where he shows great closing speed coming downhill or collapsing on a passing lane to make a play on the ball paired with his instincts. This also shows up as a Blitzer where Rodriguez has an innate ability to play patient and trigger downhill quickly to close the gap. He showcases good foot speed and ankle flexibility along with the ability to play off the balls of his feet keeping his weight balanced and consistent.
Weakness:
Rodriguez is likely to transition to the weakside position in the NFL being undersized at the mike position for the NFL role. Additionally, Rodriguez likely isn’t going to test exceptionally well and does showcase instances of having some stiff hips, inconsistent footwork, along with the frame that can limit him in the run game vs larger lineman despite his aggression and strength. Rodriguez takes poor tackling angles at time to OZ run situations, where he also has a tendency to show some over pursuit his assignment at times as well. Rodriguez isn’t the best in coverage often getting beaten throughout a second burst due to his weakness in long speed situations. Additionally, the coverage instincts within 0-10 yards are elite due to his natural feel and closing speed but beyond the 10 yard mark start to become an issue with Rodriguez showing times of abandoning his gap, not carrying defenders fully, or simply missing on an assignment at times as well. Despite playing 4 seasons at the position, there’s numerous instances of Rodriguez looking confused or out of place and consistent playtime and coaching in the NFL will be necessary.
Grade: 3.92 – Late Round 3
Pro-Comp: Matt Milano (Bills)
Rodriguez is a playmaker with 306 tackles, 26 TFL, 6 sacks, 6 INT, 12 PBU, 5 FR, and 13 FF in his 55 game career. Rodriguez is talented coming downhill vs the run due to his downhill trigger and instincts vs the run. Rodriguez is going to struggle to adapt to the NFL largely due to his average athleticism and stiff hips which will limit his ability to matchup with athletic tight ends and work a zone heavy system as well with his lack of experience at the position. He’s a highly productive player that will develop into being a productive linebacker but his lack of athleticism is likely to limit his true upside and he’ll need to get consistent as well with his aggression and over pursuit which comes with time. The Raiders absolutely need to address their linebacker room this season, consistently failing to address the position and invest true capital into the room. With the Raiders holding 6 picks inside the top four rounds, Rodriguez could be a very good fit with his leadership, motor, and ceiling.
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