In his latest 2026 NFL mock draft for ClutchPoints, Tim Crean has the Denver Broncos addressing a major long-term position of need.
Crean’s mock sends Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez to Denver at pick No. 30 in the first round.
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“Because he’s just 6-foot-1, 231 pounds, there is a realistic chance Jacob Rodriguez falls to the second or even the early third round,” Clean wrote for ClutchPoints. “However, if a team can get out of its own way and just go ahead and fill a need with the best defensive player in college football last season, this could work out great. Sean Payton drafts to the beat of his own drummer, and he’ll see Rdriguez for what he is: an incredible football player at any level.”
Rodriquez ran a 40-yard dash in 4.57 seconds and a 10-yard split in 1.6 seconds at the NFL combine. He totaled 128 tackles, seven forced fumbles, six pass breakups, four interceptions and one sack in 14 games with the Red Raiders last fall. It’s easy to imagine the Broncos targeting Rodriquez, but the first round might be a little early.
After receiving two compensatory picks before NFL free agency, Denver now holds nine selections in the 2026 NFL draft, which will be held in Pittsburgh from April 23-25.
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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: 2026 NFL mock draft: Broncos select LB Jacob Rodriguez
