The Miami Dolphins may have just found the STEAL of the entire draft — and honestly, the growing hype surrounding rookie linebacker Jacob Rodriguez is starting to get completely out of control inside Miami. Because according to reports coming out of Dolphins OTAs, coaches and teammates cannot STOP talking about the second-round pick… and now fans are beginning to believe Miami may have landed an immediate defensive leader before the regular season even begins.

And honestly? The praise is getting ridiculous.

According to Bleacher Report, Rodriguez was recently named one of the biggest “steals” outside the first round after impressing heavily during the early weeks of offseason practices. But honestly, Dolphins fans are realizing this is no longer just media hype anymore.

The PLAYERS themselves are now starting to sound obsessed with him.

That is where things suddenly became VERY interesting.

Because according to comments from De’Von Achane during an appearance connected to Terron Armstead, Achane admitted he barely knew anything about Jacob Rodriguez before the draft. Then somebody showed him Rodriguez’s Senior Bowl highlights — and his reaction immediately jumped out.

“He’s strapped.”

And honestly, Dolphins fans instantly started freaking out over the quote.

Because Achane was not just casually complimenting him. He reportedly described Rodriguez as someone constantly around the football during practices, constantly forcing turnovers, constantly showing up during seven-on-seven drills, and constantly knowing exactly where he is supposed to be defensively.

That is a HUGE deal.

Because when one of the most explosive players on the offense starts praising a rookie defender that aggressively this early into OTAs, people inside the building notice immediately.

And honestly, many Dolphins fans now believe Rodriguez may already be on track to start Week 1.

That sounds crazy for a rookie linebacker…

But the signs are everywhere.

According to discussions surrounding Miami’s linebacker room, there is already a major battle brewing next to Jordan Brooks between Rodriguez and Tyrel Dodson. But many around Dolphins circles reportedly believe Rodriguez has been ahead of schedule almost since the moment he arrived from Texas Tech Red Raiders.

And honestly, there is another reason this matters SO much:

The green dot.

Because according to reports surrounding the Dolphins defense, Jordan Brooks reportedly does not love wearing the green dot and handling defensive communication responsibilities. That means Miami may eventually need another linebacker to become the on-field quarterback of the defense.

And now?

Some fans believe Jacob Rodriguez could already be THAT guy.

As a rookie.

That is insane.

But honestly, Dolphins linebacker coach Al Washington may have accidentally fueled the hype even MORE with his latest comments. According to Washington, Rodriguez has been “incredibly instinctive,” while also praising his tackling ability and discipline in open-field situations.

And honestly, NFL coaches do NOT casually hand out compliments like that to rookie linebackers.

Especially not this early.

According to Washington, what separates Rodriguez is how naturally he handles space and angles against elite athletes — something many young defenders struggle badly with once they reach the NFL level. But apparently, Rodriguez already looks comfortable.

That should excite Dolphins fans immediately.

Because Miami’s defense desperately needs more instinctive playmakers after struggling with consistency last season. And honestly, if Rodriguez becomes the turnover machine teammates are already describing publicly…

The Dolphins may have quietly landed one of the biggest defensive steals of the entire 2026 draft.