Patriots draft profile: Jacob Rodriguez is the total package at linebacker

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 06: Jacob Rodriguez #10 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders lines up during the first half the Big 12 Championship game against the BYU Cougars at AT&T Stadium on December 06, 2025 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images) | Getty Images The New England Patriots’ linebacker group exceeded expectations in 2025, but that does not mean the group is a finished product.

Far from it, actually. The Patriots saw last year’s No. 3 at the position, Jack Gibbens, depart in free agency and furthermore opted to release veteran Jahlani Tavai.

As a result of these moves and an unclear long-term outlook to begin with, the team now is very much in the market for linebacker depth. If New England does opt to invest, few players appear to be better fits than Texas Tech’s Jacob Rodriguez. Hard facts Name: Jacob Rodriguez Position: Off-ball linebacker School: Texas Tech (RS Sr.

) Opening day age: 24 (9/6/2002) Measurements : 6’1 3/8”, 231 lbs, 30 7/8” arm length, 9 1/4” hand size, 4. 57s 40-yard dash, 6. 90s 3-cone drill, 4.