Jacob Rodriguez Is Already Running the Miami Dolphins Defense

IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Jacob Rodriguez Is Already Running the Miami Dolphins Defense

Originally posted on TWSN | By Marissa Myers | Last updated Sep 13, 2026 10:21 AM ET

The Miami Dolphins are preparing to enter the Jeff Hafley era as the head coach, and with doing so, there is already one key defensive player standing out who can help in leading the Dolphins’ rebuild.

That player is rookie Jacob Rodriguez, who Hafley has revealed his work ethic ahead of the season by saying, “He was in my office this morning going over the call sheet before 7 AM. And we’re talking, here are the calls that I like in this situation.”

“He was in my office this morning going over the call sheet before 7 AM. And we’re talking, here are the calls that I like in this situation.” –
Dolphins coach Jeff Hafley on rookie LB Jacob Rodriguez pic.twitter.com/kyD8hsEg6a
— Joe Schad (@schadjoe) September 9, 2026

Jacob Rodriguez Has Earned More Than a Starting Job

It was already clear that Rodriguez had grown into a large role in getting the starting inside linebacker job alongside Jordyn Brooks. However, being assigned the green dot further shows how Miami views him.

Hafley’s defense isn’t easy, as they will mix in traditional four-man fronts, 4-2-5 alignments, and change personnel frequently. The player relaying those calls must understand more than his own assignment, and instead recognize formations and communicate adjustments.

For Rodriguez, entering this role without even having played a snap in the regular season yet shows his work ethic and why the Dolphins selected him with the 43rd overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

After having produced 128 tackles, 11 tackles for a loss, seven forced fumbles, four interceptions, and two fumble recoveries during the 2025 season at Texas Tech, Rodriguez’s production showed he was dependable, and now the offseason work he is putting in with Miami is further backing this up.

This article first appeared on TWSN and was syndicated with permission.

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