Jacob Rodriguez is Defensive Rookie of the Year favorite after big game vs. Chiefs

Linebacker Jacob Rodriguez, a unanimous All-American at Texas Tech last season, is emerging as the betting favorite for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year after a standout performance against the Chiefs. Rodriguez, who won the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and Chuck Bednarik Award as the nation’s top defensive player, was also the defensive player with the most Heisman votes in college. Despite that résumé, he slid to the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft and was taken 43rd overall by the Miami Dolphins. After Sunday’s game, where he intercepted Patrick Mahomes and made three tackles for loss on Kenneth Walker, he’s listed at +400. Texas Tech teammate David Bailey is second at +450, followed by Sonny Styles (+700), Arvell Reese (+800) and Caleb Downs (+850).