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Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez
Shane Steichen has some quality pieces on the Indianapolis Colts roster in hopes of making the playoffs for the first time in his tenure with the team.
The offense is well-rounded at all fronts, with Indy working to sign Daniel Jones to a contract extension. The defense has some solid pieces, but has more questions than the offense.
Indianapolis was one of the worst teams in the league defending the pass game, with the defense allowing an average of 247.9 pass yards per game.
Some of the stats can be attributed to cornerbacks Charvarius Ward and Sauce Gardner being injured for most of the season.
With those two set to come back healthy next season, the Colts can acquire better coverage defenders at other positions.
Adding Dick Butkus Award Winner
GettyThe Colts could add an All-American to their defense
Zaire Franklin has been the main linebacker for the Indianapolis Colts for the last four seasons, recording a minimum of 125 tackles.
Adding someone next to Franklin will bolster the position group for second-year defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo.
Gary Davenport of Bleacher Report names Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez as a “dream target” for the Colts.
“The priority once Day 2 dawns should be the defense—and the linebacker position is one that needs to be addressed. Germaine Pratt was decent after joining the team last October, but he’s a pending free agent,” Davenport wrote. “Both Pratt and veteran Zaire Franklin were liabilities in coverage in 2025.”
“Texas Tech’s Jacob Rodriguez is a bit undersized at 6’1” and 235 pounds. But he was a turnover machine for the Red Raiders in 2025… Pairing Rodriguez with, say, an edge-rusher on Day 2 would be an excellent start to the draft for Colts general manager Chris Ballard.”
The quarterback-turned-linebacker was graded the best linebacker in the country by Pro Football Focus, receiving a 93.3 grade. Rodriguez also had the highest coverage and run defense grades from the publication.
In his final two collegiate seasons with the Red Raiders, the defender logged more than 250 tackles, earning him one All-American nod.
B/R’s Matt Holder called Rodriguez the best linebacker in the 2025 collegiate season, but mentioned he lacks the length and size to be a high draft pick.
Despite not being much of a pass-rush threat, the fifth-year collegiate player also logged six sacks over the last two seasons.
Not having a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, this could be a good addition for Indy if he falls into Day 2.
Hoping Jacob Rodriguez Is Avaliable
GettyTexas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez
The difficult part of trying to draft Jacob Rodriguez is whether he will fall that far into Day 2.
The Indianapolis Colts have their first selection as the 47th overall pick and many teams are adjusting their linebacker groups.
Pro Football Focus has Rodriguez falling to Day 2 in the third round, predicting the Carolina Panthers will take him, with Indy selecting a different linebacker.
Whether Lou Anarumo and the coaching staff want to hit early with a linebacker or hold off until later picks, Jacob Rodriguez could be off the board.
Jason Garcia Jason Garcia is a sports contributor for Heavy Sports who joined the team in 2025, covering the New England Patriots, Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers. More about Jason Garcia
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