Rodriguez, who finished his college career with 13 FF, 5 FR and 6 INTs, said he is aiming for consistency this week.
“I think I’ve put two good years on tape,” he said. “[I’m aiming to] come out here and play with the best in the country, get to know these guys, get to know a new scheme and just go out and play fast and have fun.”
In 2024, Rodriguez recorded a career-high 77 tackles and 5.0 sacks. And in 2025, he continued to dominate – recording career highs in TFL (11) and INTs (4). His 2025 campaign earned him the Chuck Bednarik Award and Bronko Nagurski Trophy, awards presented to the nation’s top defensive player, as well as the Butkus Award (presented to the top linebacker) and Lombardi Award (presented to the top lineman or linebacker). Rodriguez also finished fifth in Heisman Trophy voting in 2025.
“Rodriguez was one of the most productive players in college football last season,” wrote Matt Miller, NFL draft analyst for ESPN who identified him as one of the standout prospects from Day 2.
He added: “The playmaking that led him to the fifth-place finish in Heisman polling showed up on Wednesday, as Rodriguez’s strength and power coming downhill as a tackler led to a forced fumble in team sessions. The 6-foot-1, 233-pounder is an easy evaluation. The thumping linebacker is a Round 3 player with the ability to impact a pro defense as a starting Mike ‘backer.”
Rodriguez, who has been applauded for the mental side of his game, also stressed that he has the athleticism and work ethic needed to find success at the next level.
“I think I’ve got everything that I need … A big thing is preparing in the classroom,” he said. “You’ve got to study, you’ve got to have power in routine, you’ve got to do the same thing every week to continue to get better.”