Dan Morgan just might be a linebacker’s linebacker.
The Carolina Panthers general manager and president of football operations was in attendance for Texas Tech’s pro day on Thursday. And Morgan, who may still be looking to add to his team’s ascending defense, was seen getting up close with one of the more intriguing prospects of the 2026 NFL Draft class—Red Raiders ‘backer Jacob Rodriguez . . .
Rodriguez—whose college résumé may remind Panthers fans of franchise legend and Boston College star Luke Kuechly—is set to enter the pros as this past year’s recipient of the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, the Butkus Award, the Lombardi Award and the Chuck Bednarik Award. Also a unanimous All-American and the 2025 Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, Rodriguez posted a conference-leading 63 solo tackles, four interceptions and seven forced fumbles during his final campaign in Lubbock.
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Even after reeling in a top free-agent in Devin Lloyd on a three-year, $42 million deal, the Panthers might try to add another inside linebacker to the mix for 2026. The 23-year-old Rodriguez could be in play for Carolina with their second-round pick (51st overall).
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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: NFL draft: Panthers GM Dan Morgan visits LB Jacob Rodriguez at pro day