The New England Patriots have major needs on both sides of the ball. The top two are the continued upgrading of the offensive line and the need to add edge players who produce sacks. Both were major deficiencies that cost the team the Super Bowl.
Yet, there are other potential need positions, as well. These include tight end, running back, and linebacker. One linebacker who's been mocked to the Patriots is Texas Tech's Jacob Rodriguez.
Inside linebacker could be an issue since Jack Gibbens is a restricted free agent this offseason, and Jahlani Tavai doesn't really fit Mike Vrabel's scheme as a 6'2", 255-pound inside linebacker. The Patriots can save $1.7M on the cap by cutting Tavai, yet his situation is more favorable after 2026, and he's likely to stay around.
If Gibbens leaves, however, the team will only have Captain, Robert Spillane, Tavai, and Christian Elliss to man the inside linebacker spots. Spillane had injury issues in 2025, and adding an inside playmaker to the unit makes sense for Vrabel, especially in the draft.
Jacob Rodriguez could be a nice addition for the Patriots
One inside linebacker who'd tick all the boxes for Vrabel's defense who'll be available in the draft is Texas Tech's 6'1", 231-pound Jacob Rodríguez. While a bit on the smaller side, he's a fly-around-the-field type who'd be a nice addition.
Texas Tech LB Jacob Rodriguez said he’s modeled his game after Bills LBs Matt Milano and Terrel Bernard. On if he’d fit into new Buffalo defense under Jim Leonhard:
— Matt Parrino (@MattParrino) February 25, 2026
“I can play any position they need me to play.” pic.twitter.com/cOJGysF6vt
Rodriguez had a terrific 2025 season for the Red Raiders. In 14 games, he racked up 128 tackles with 11 tackles for loss, four interceptions, six passes defended, two fumble recoveries, and a whopping four interceptions. He'd fit Mike Vrabel's attacking defense like a glove. NFL.com's Combine Overview leaves no doubt about that.
"Rodriguez arrived in college as an offensive 'athlete' and leaves Texas Tech as a bigger-than-life, stat-stuffing linebacker...He’s slippery working off blocks and navigating combo climbers. His lateral pursuit leaves the station on time and with a fast take-off. Rodriguez displays ballhawking instincts and outstanding hands but busted coverages were part of the package in 2025.
His unbridled urgency and 'make every play' mindset can inflate missed tackle totals, but the production should outweigh the occasional headaches..."
Jacob Rodriguez fits the Patriots' defense to a Tee
Jacob Rodriguez makes up for his lack of size with lightning speed for an inside linebacker. He ran a blistering 4.57 4-yard dash at the Combine with a 38.5" vertical jump and a 10'1" broad jump. His athleticism is undeniable.
Bleacher Report as a possible Day 2 pick in the second or third round. That would be a high pick to surrender when the Patriots have to bolster their offensive line and edge positions, above all other needs.
Yet, if Vrabel decided to roll the dice on Rodriguez in, say, the third round, it would be hard to argue the value. His stats are off the chart,s and his playmaking ability, a key to any NFL defense, is undeniable.
With veteran Robert Spillane playing in his year-30 season, one could hardly fault Vrabel for taking a flyer on a young inside linebacker like Rodriguez in the third round. It looks like he'd fit like a glove.