When a Hall of Fame linebacker speaks about a linebacker prospect, people listen. If the Carolina Panthers value the input of a franchise legend, then recent comments from Luke Kuechly could throw a wrench in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ draft plans.
Panthers legend Luke Kuechly praises Jacob Rodriguez amid Buccaneers draft buzz
Both the Buccaneers and Panthers have been linked to Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez, one of the top prospects at the position in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Rodriguez is far and away the most productive linebacker in this class. He totaled over 300 combined tackles in his college career including 25.5 for loss, along with six sacks, six interceptions, and an unheard of 13 forced fumbles.
He is coming off arguably the greatest collegiate linebacker season of all-time, walking away with a whole trophy case worth of awards and accolades.
Rodriguez earned the Bednarik Award, Butkus Award, Bronko Nagurski Trophy, and the Lombardi Award. He was named a first-team All-American, the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, and even finished 5th in the 2025 Heisman Trophy voting.
In a nightmare scenario for Tampa Bay, perhaps the most influential voice possible in Carolina is pounding the table for Rodriguez.
“My favorite guy is Jacob Rodriguez,” said Kuechly on the JJ and Luke Podcast.
He went on to praise Rodriguez’s instincts, tackling ability, and ball production, while also noting how obvious it is on film that he genuinely loves the game.
Kuechly even compared Rodriguez to Buccaneers great Lavonte David from a physical standpoint, highlighting how both players are true football players despite concerns about their size.
Hall of Fame Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly compared Jacob Rodriguez to future Hall of Fame Bucs linebacker Lavonte David in this clip.
— Josh Crysler (@josh_crysler) April 9, 2026
Hopefully, Jason Licht and the front office are paying attention. There’s no better successor to David in this draft class than Rodriguez. https://t.co/usfQhaQDa4
If the Panthers take that kind of endorsement seriously, and they should, it could spell trouble for Tampa Bay. Missing out on Rodriguez would be a tough enough pill to swallow, but the idea of him landing with an NFC South rival and lining up alongside All-Pro Devin Lloyd is a nightmare scenario.
There is no better successor to Lavonte David in this draft class than Rodriguez, and the Buccaneers should be prepared to do whatever it takes to make sure he begins his career in red and pewter.