The Tampa Bay Buccaneers need to load up on linebacking talent in the 2026 NFL Draft, both inside and off the edge, and Jacob Rodriguez emerged from the Scouting Combine as a huge winner for the Bucs to strongly consider.
In both the first and second rounds of the draft this year, the Bucs will be prioritizing the defensive side of the ball. Some of the top tight ends in the class, especially Kenyon Sadiq from Oregon, could tempt the Bucs, and Sadiq did test extremely well in Indianapolis.
However, so many of the linebacker prospects also tested incredibly well. If the Bucs go for an edge rusher in round one - or even if they land another inside linebacker - Rodriguez is going to be one of their most coveted Day 2 options, assuming he even makes it to their pick in the second round.
Jacob Rodriguez impressed at the Combine
Rodriguez answered a lot of the critics in Indianapolis by testing very well in all drills, with the standout moment being his 40 yard dash. Another brilliant draft prospect from the state of Texas for the Bucs, Rodriguez ran the 40 in just 4.61 seconds, which is a result that likely saw him fly up draft boards, including Tampa Bay's.
At 6'1", 231 pounds, Rodriguez is a big guy who can thump the running game, so for him to run that fast is a big deal. Plus, his overall testing at the Combine is also huge, since he was unquestionably the best linebacker in college football last season on film. So when the film and the Combine performances both rate highly, the answer is that the player then becomes a no brainer draft target.
With Lavonte David still contemplating retirement, the inside linebacker position might just be the most pressing for the Buccaneers, even above an edge rusher. Rodriguez now becomes a dream target on Day 2 for Tampa, and some may even think about having him in play in the first round since the biggest dream targets will be off the board by the time Tampa Bay pick at No. 15.
There is still time to go before the NFL Draft takes place in May, but Rodriguez shone and stepped up brightly when it mattered the most for his draft stock at the Combine. His ability to rack up tackles, fly all over the field, and diagnose plays could make him an ideal successor to David.