Meet Jacob Rodriguez, the Dolphins' new LB with the No. 43 pick in NFL Draft originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Miami Dolphins came into the NFL Draft with plenty of needs on both sides of the ball. And after drafting Kadyn Proctor and Chris Johnson in Round 1, the Dolphins took a new defensive standout in Round 2.

According to Connor Hughes of SNY, the Dolphins are drafting Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez with the No. 43 overall pick.

With Proctor and Johnson well known at this point, who is Rodriguez, the new Miami LB for Jeff Hafley's defense?

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Rodriguez is a great playmaker on the defensive side of the ball. While linebackers typically don't get the same love as cornerbacks and edge rushers, it's a very important position, especially with someone as good as Rodriguez.

The Texas Tech Red Raiders linebacker is a great starter for the Dolphins' defense. He had 128 tackles last season, and also had one sack, but a ridiculous seven forced fumbles and four interceptions.

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Miami is landing a premier defender in Rodriguez, and the 6-foot-1, 235-pound linebacker is a phenomenal football mind and will be a great presence in the middle of the Dolphins' defense.

He's a bit older and will be 24 years old in his rookie season. But, Rodriguez is the kind of player to help instantly make the Dolphins' defense better, and help all of the younger players the Dolphins will add over the next two years better.

Rodriguez is the new Dolphins linebacker, and the former Texas Tech standout is a ballhawk who will be a fun pair with Jordyn Brooks in the LB room.

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