Cincinnati Native Luke Kuechly Names Top Linebacker in 2026 NFL Draft

Bengals face crucial decision as local legend Kuechly praises underrated prospect Jacob Rodriguez

Apr. 12, 2026 at 4:10pm

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Former Cincinnati Bengals star and Pro Football Hall of Famer Luke Kuechly has declared that linebacker Jacob Rodriguez from Texas Tech is the top prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft. Despite Rodriguez not being the consensus top linebacker, Kuechly believes his quick processing skills, tackling ability, and playmaking instincts make him the ideal fit to fill the Bengals' glaring need at the position.

Why it matters

Kuechly's endorsement of the hometown prospect Rodriguez could create an exciting narrative if the Bengals were to draft him, potentially unlocking his full potential and providing the missing piece to their defensive puzzle. However, Rodriguez's draft stock is lower than Kuechly's assessment, raising questions about whether the Bengals are overlooking a hidden gem.

The details

Rodriguez had an impressive 2025 season at Texas Tech, recording 128 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, seven forced fumbles, and four interceptions. Kuechly praised Rodriguez's football IQ and instincts, comparing him to former NFL star Lavonte David. While Rodriguez is ranked 40th overall and second among linebackers by draft expert Dane Brugler, Kuechly believes he could be a game-changing selection for the Bengals.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is set to take place in April 2026.

The players

Luke Kuechly

A Cincinnati native and Pro Football Hall of Famer who played linebacker for the Cincinnati Bengals and is now a respected voice in the NFL scouting community.

Jacob Rodriguez

A linebacker prospect from Texas Tech University who is Kuechly's top-ranked linebacker in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Lavonte David

A former NFL linebacker who Kuechly has compared Rodriguez to, praising his similar quick processing skills and playmaking ability.

Dane Brugler

A prominent NFL draft expert who currently has Rodriguez ranked 40th overall and second among linebackers in his 2026 draft rankings.

Sonny Styles

Another top linebacker prospect in the 2026 draft class, ranked ahead of Rodriguez by Dane Brugler.

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What they’re saying

“Jacob Rodriguez: The Unsung Hero?”

— Luke Kuechly, Pro Football Hall of Famer

“Kuechly's pick is Jacob Rodriguez, a former Texas Tech star. In a recent podcast, Kuechly praised Rodriguez's quick processing skills, tackling ability, and playmaking instincts. He even compared him to the great Lavonte David, which is high praise indeed.”

— Author

“Rodriguez's stats are impressive, with 128 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, seven forced fumbles, and four interceptions last season. But what I find most intriguing is Kuechly's emphasis on his football IQ and instincts. In today's NFL, where athleticism is often prioritized, Kuechly reminds us that the mental side of the game is just as crucial.”

— Author

What’s next

The Bengals will have the opportunity to select Rodriguez with their 41st overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft if they miss out on Sonny Styles at 10th overall.

The takeaway

Kuechly's endorsement of the underrated Rodriguez could prove to be a game-changing decision for the Bengals if they are able to capitalize on it in the draft. The potential hometown hero narrative and Rodriguez's potential impact on the defense make him an intriguing prospect that the Bengals should strongly consider, even if he is not the consensus top linebacker in the class.