Tim Crean has the Denver Broncos addressing a major long-term need in ClutchPoints’ latest 2026 NFL mock draft.
Crean’s simulation sent Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez to Denver with the 30th pick in the first round.
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“Because Jacob Rodriguez is only 6-foot-1 and 231 pounds, there’s a good chance he’ll fall to the second round or even early third round,” Clean wrote on ClutchPoints. “However, if a team can go its own way and move forward and fill a need with the best defensive player in college football last season, it could work out well. Sean Payton drafts to the beat of his own drummer and he’ll see Rodriguez for what he truly is: an incredible football player at any level.”
Rodriguez sprinted 40 yards in 4.57 seconds at the NFL combine and 10 yards in 1.6 seconds. He totaled 128 tackles, seven forced fumbles, six tackles for loss, four interceptions and one sack in 14 games with the Red Raiders last fall. It’s easy to imagine the Broncos targeting Rodriquez, but it might be a little early in the first round.
After acquiring two compensatory picks before NFL free agency, Denver now has nine picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, which will be held April 23-25 ​​in Pittsburgh.
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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Broncos select LB Jacob Rodriguez