Jacob Rodriguez is the favorite for defensive rookie of the year after the big game against the Chiefs

As a linebacker at Texas Tech last season, linebacker Jacob Rodriguez was a unanimous All-American, and his long list of honors included the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and the Chuck Bednarik Award, both of which recognize the best defensive player in the country, as well as the one who received the most Heisman Trophy votes of any defensive player.

But despite being the best defensive player in college football, he slipped into the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft, where the Dolphins took him 43rd overall. This looks like a very good choice – and a very big mistake on the part of many teams who passed on him.

Rodriguez is currently the betting favorite for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year after a stellar game against the Chiefs on Sunday that saw him intercept Patrick Mahomes and tackle Kenneth Walker behind the line of scrimmage three times.

Current betting odds have Rodriguez at +400 to win Defensive Rookie of the Year, followed by his Texas Tech teammate, Jets linebacker David Bailey, at +450. Next are three Ohio State players: Commanders linebacker Sonny Styles at +700, Giants linebacker Arvell Reese at +800 and Cowboys safety Caleb Downs at +850.