Jacob Rodriguez buzz may force Jaguars into draft path fans didn't expect

Even though Devin Lloyd bolted for the Carolina Panthers in free agency, linebacker isn't a pressing need for the Jacksonville Jaguars. This is mostly due to the fact that they have Ventrell Miller around. Sure, the Jags could use depth at the position, but the interior defensive line and the pass rush are bigger priorities ahead of the draft. Having said that, they may not want to pass on Jacob Rodriguez in Round 2.

Rodriguez has the tools to become a viable NFL starter even though he isn't the most athletic linebacker prospect. Moreover, his rate of missed tackles could give Jacksonville or other teams in need of help at the position pause. Then again, Lindsay Rhodes of SumerSports provided context that may incentivize the Jaguars to target him with the 56th overall pick.

Jacob Rodriguez's comparison to Budda Baker may compel the Jaguars to draft him

Lindsay Rhodes pointed out that Jacob Rodriguez was one of colleague Sam Bruchhaus' top 6 value guys in the draft but pointed out that his rate of missed tackles could be a reason for concern. Then again, she later added key context.

On a different tweet, Rhodes noted that Jacob Rodriguez's missed tackles are what people across the league refer to as "Budda tackles," as in tackles defensive back Budda Baker would miss but "no one else would be around to ball for."

According to Rhodes, Rodriguez often "forced the ball carrier back into pursuit or help and the tackle was made with minimal to no more yardage."

On top of that, Rhodes praises Rodriguez's motor, pointing out that scouts see him as one of his strengths. And here's more of what they had to say about the former Texas Tech Red Raider's missed tackles.

"They think he's probably still developing his technique, but that-and this is very important-he's not missing because he's afraid of contact. That's hard to fix. This isn't," Rhodes wrote. "They added they'd rather have a guy they have to reign in, as opposed to a guy they have to pull it out of," Rhodes wrote."

This is a deep linebacker class, so even though Sonny Styles will be off the board by the time the Jaguars are on the clock at No. 56, the Jags will still have plenty of appealing options. Rodriguez will be among them, although there's a chance Anthony Hill Jr. will also be available by then.

Either way, Rhodes' assessment of Rodriguez should ease concerns about his missed tackle rate. Make no mistake, though, this is something general manager James Gladstone and the Jaguars scouting department should already know. Instead, Rhode's remarks provide context in case he becomes the pick.

Why the Jaguars may not draft Jacob Rodriguez despite his talent

In spite of Jacob Rodriguez's motor or any other positive traits he may possess, the Jaguars may pass on him or Anthony HIll Jr. even if both of them are available at No. 56. The reason is simple, the interior defensive line is their biggest need, and they'll need to address it if they want to stymyie opponents on a consistent basis next year.

On the off chance Jacksonville drafts a pass rusher or a corner in the second round, the team's brass will probably take a defensive tackle with any of their three selections in Round 3. At that point in the process, Domonique Orange and Darrell Jackson Jr. should still be on the board.

The truth is that the Jaguars must add reinforcements at defensive tackle, but Jacob Rodriguez is talented enough that if he's still available when they're on the clock, he might back them into a corner they won't be able to escape.