Jacob Rodriguez Emerges as Dolphins' Top 2026 DROY Bet if He Wins Starting LB Job
Updated
Updated · AtoZ Sports · May 7
Jacob Rodriguez Emerges as Dolphins' Top 2026 DROY Bet if He Wins Starting LB Job
6 articles · Updated · AtoZ Sports · May 7
Jacob Rodriguez is viewed as Miami’s strongest 2026 AP Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate, with his case hinging on whether the rookie linebacker beats out veteran Tyrel Dodson for a starting spot.
Dodson’s 2025 production — 129 tackles, 5.0 sacks, 10 tackles for loss and 1 interception opposite Jordyn Brooks — suggests the role can generate enough volume for Rodriguez to post award-level numbers.
Rodriguez’s outlook is also helped by recent voting history: Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger won the award last year, reviving a path for off-ball linebackers that had produced only 3 winners in the past 15 years.
First-round defensive back Chris Johnson is another Miami rookie to watch, but cornerbacks have won AP Defensive Rookie of the Year just 3 times since 1998, making Rodriguez the cleaner early bet.
Will Miami's record dead cap and tough schedule create a star in Jacob Rodriguez or just an empty-stat leader?
Can a rookie linebacker on a rebuilding team overcome top edge rushers to win Defensive Rookie of the Year?