Miami Dolphins rookie linebacker Jacob Rodriguez made a splash when he reported to the team for rookie minicamp in May. Fast forward to the end of September, and Rodriguez hasn’t slowed down. The second-round pick not only claimed a starting role in the middle of Miami’s defense, he also established himself as the defensive signal caller, sending plays being called, making sure every player lined up correctly, and adjustments were made.
And he faced. And tackles. And tackles. He has 28 tackles in three games, tied for eighth most in the league. He also had a highlight interception last week, somehow diving for the ball that was tipped twice before he secured it 20 yards downfield after the linebacker started at the line of scrimmage:
It was a great start to Rodriguez’s season and career. According to David Furones of the South Florida Sun Sentinel at the time, Rodriguez’s fast start puts him in the discussion for Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Rodriguez’s game has him, not only in the Defensive Rookie of the Year conversation, but the betting odds and prediction markets now call him the favorite after Week 3, leapfrogging New York Jets edge rusher David Bailey this week.
Rodriguez, of course, was team-first when it was announced that he was the new favorite for the prestigious award
“It’s pretty cool, but I think it’s more important to do things on the field and find more success with this team,” he told the South Florida Sun Sentinel. “It’s going to be cool. It’s a really appreciated experience, but I don’t think it’s really something I’m focused on.”
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Jacob Rodriguez has some serious potential
The child is fine. If his ceiling is as high as we all think, he could be a (hopefully healthier) luke kuechly clone