March 27, 2026, 4:55 p.m. ET
A recent ESPN breakdown from NFL reporter Jenna Laine outlined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ top needs heading into the 2026 NFL Draft, pointing to edge rusher, linebacker, and tight end as the primary areas to address.
Edge will always be on the table early until they get an elite one in Tampa. Tight end makes sense given how much this offense uses multiple looks, but if you’re looking at where Tampa Bay can realistically find long-term value outside of the first round, linebacker is the spot that stands out.
This is not just about replacing snaps but more about replacing previous leadership with future leadership.
For over a decade, Lavonte David was the heart and soul of the Tampa Bay defense, the green dot linebacker, the communicator, the guy who made sure everyone was lined up correctly before the snap. You normally cannot replace that kind of player by signing another veteran to a two- or one-year deal. Signing Alex Anzalone and Christian Rozeboom gives you bodies but does not provide a long-term answer.
That is where Jacob Rodriguez comes into the picture.
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Rodriguez is not just another linebacker prospect. His background as a former quarterback shows in how he plays, especially in his ability to read offenses and anticipate what is coming next. He processes quickly, understands concepts from the other side of the ball, and plays with a level of awareness that is hard to teach. That kind of perspective is valuable at linebacker, particularly for a player who has the potential to eventually wear the green dot and handle the communication responsibilities of the defense.
CategoryValueHeight6-1Weight233 lbs40-yard dash4.5710-yard split1.60Vertical jump38.5″Broad jump121″Short shuttle4.193-cone6.902025 PFF Grade93.0Coverage Grade92.3Tackles124Defensive Stops70Forced Fumbles7Missed Tackles20Missed Tackle %13.9%
A 93.0 defensive grade paired with a 92.3 coverage grade tells you exactly what kind of player you’re dealing with. Rodriguez is not coming off the field. He can hold up in coverage, make plays against the run, and create turnovers, which is what you want from a linebacker in today’s game. The athletic testing backs it up as well, with the speed and movement skills needed to operate in space and stay effective on all three downs.
More importantly, he plays like someone who understands the position beyond just reacting, which is where his background as a former quarterback really shows up. He processes quickly, sees the full picture, and operates with the kind of awareness you want from a player who could eventually be responsible for calling the defense.
Tampa Bay does not need a linebacker to step in and immediately replace Lavonte David, because that is not realistic for any rookie. What they do need is someone who can grow into that role over time, take on more responsibility as the defense evolves, and handle both the physical demands of the position and the mental side that comes with wearing the green dot.
That is what makes a linebacker an important target outside of Round 1 and inside the end of Round 3. It is not just about adding depth to the room; it is about identifying a player who can develop into the next leader of the defense, and Rodriguez fits that mold as well as anyone in that range.