It is entirely possible that the Miami Dolphins are the worst team in the NFL through four weeks. However, Texas Tech alum and Miami middle linebacker Jacob Rodriguez is proving to be one of the brightest rookies in the league.
In his team's 15-10 loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, one that dropped Miami to 0-4 on the season, Rodriguez racked up an absurd 18 tackles. That's the most any player in the NFL has amassed in a game thus far in 2026. It also has Rodriguez at the top of the list of favorites to win the NFL's Defensive Rookie of the Year award.
Rodriguez has been a star in Miami. He's the only rookie in the league who has worn the green dot on his helmet (signifying that he is getting the play calls from the coaching staff) in every game this season. What's more, he's been one of the most productive defensive players in the league, not just among rookies.
After four games, Rodriguez is second among all players in tackles. His 46 are just one behind linebacker Alex Singleton of the Denver Broncos.
The fewest number of tackles Rodriguez has had in any game is six, which he had in week three against the Kansas City Chiefs. Of course, in that game, he picked up his first career interception, which came off of former Texas Tech star Patrick Mahomes II.
In week two, Rodriguez had eight tackles against the San Francisco 49ers. Meanwhile, in his first NFL game, he was credited with 14 tackles in a loss to the Las Vegas Raiders.
It has been a stellar start to his professional career for the most decorated linebacker in Texas Tech history. Now, the hope is that his team will start to follow his lead and pick up their play as well.
How the other Texas Tech alums are performing for Miami
Rodriguez isn't the only Texas Tech alum on the Miami defense. Playing next to him is Jordyn Brooks, who, for years, has been one of the most productive linebackers in the NFL.
This year, Brooks is also among the league leaders in tackles. After making 13 tackles against Minnesota on Sunday, he is tied for 9th in the league with 35.
Brooks and Rodriguez are arguably one of the best linebacking duos in the league. That's impressive given that they are not surrounded by a ton of talent in Miami.
While the Dolphins' defense has been respectable this year, the offense has struggled. The Dolphins haven't scored more than 13 points in any game this year.
Therefore, it is no shock that former Red Raider Caleb Douglas has modest stats through four games of his rookie season. He's grabbed only seven passes for 113 yards so far. That's also because he's missed the last two games with an ankle injury.
Once he returns, he might be Miami's best weapon in the passing game, though. That's because he is only 39 yards behind the team's leading receiver, Malik Washington, who has played in one more game than Douglas has.
This year, Douglas is averaging 16.1 yards per reception, which is tops among all Miami players with more than five catches. So while he has been sidelined for the last two games, there is reason to believe that he will be in for a nice season once he returns.
Yes, the Dolphins are a hard watch this year, especially for their fans. However, Red Raiders everywhere are keeping an eye on that team because it is stacked with Tech alums who are showing out on Sundays.
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