Through the NFL voluntary workouts and OTAs, we take a look at two players who are already looking like draft day steals from the 2026 NFL Draft. The fans get their first chance to see their favorite players in the flesh, donning NFL gear, but for the players themselves, it is a proving ground to see who can and will contribute immediately, as we head into training camp this summer.
Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Miami Dolphins
May 8, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins inside linebacker Jacob Rodriguez (10) works during rookie minicamp at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
After winning just about every single award possible for the linebacker position in college football, Jacob Rodriguez somehow made it to day 2 of the NFL Draft, where the Miami Dolphins swooped in and drafted him. At Texas Tech, during each of the last two seasons, he would average 125 tackles and set an FBS record last year with 7 forced fumbles.
Advertisement
The Dolphins’ defense is rebuilding a bit, and Rodriguez is proving very early that he is capable of being the leader, making calls on the defensive side of the football, even though he is only a rookie.
Antonio Williams, WR, Washington Commanders
Feb 28, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Clemson wideout Antonio Williams (WO45) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Brian Mitchell, who is a 14-year NFL veteran, spoke highly of Antonio Williams recently, saying, “It’s not that you see a finished product,” Mitchell said. I think so many fans and a lot of people in the media (do this). They look for the finished product instead of, okay, I see why they drafted him. Antonio Williams yesterday? He gave you many reasons why. I could see why. You can see the quick twitch, you can see how the guy settles, or the route running. And if you continue with that, and keep building, then you see why. Then you start to see the person develop that we already look at now.”
Advertisement
The Commanders really needed depth at wide receiver, and were able to draft Williams on day 2. Williams was another name that could have gone on day one. At six feet tall and weighing around 190 pounds, over the last two seasons at Clemson, he would total 130 catches for over 1,500 yards and 15 touchdowns. Williams doesn’t appear to be a finished product yet, but he is a name who can step up alongside Terry McLaurin and provide security for Jayden Daniels as a deep-threat weapon.
The Williams pick is very intriguing, and he has a high ceiling in Washington for a young team putting the pieces in place to make another playoff run.
This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Two names that stand out as ‘Draft Day Steals’ after 2026 OTA’s