With the second round approaching, Pittsburgh holds the 53rd overall selection and isEyeing a potential edge in the back-to-back picks. Bleacher Report projects linebacker Jacob Rodriguez of Texas Tech to be the Steelers’ target in Round 2, a move that could fortify the defense behind a new coordinator and scheme.
Rodriguez’s resume features back-to-back 100-tackle seasons and 20.5 tackles for loss across two campaigns, along with accolades such as the Chuck Bednarik Award. He fits a profile for a versatile, sideline-to-sideline linebacker who could slot into a starting role, especially if the organization pursues a traded or emerging starter at inside linebacker.
The Steelers’ defense aims for a broader resurgence under new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham after a 2025 season that ranked near the bottom in several categories. Pittsburgh finished 26th in total defense and 29th in passing defense, but produced a strong turnover margin, ranking fourth in takeaways and posting a +12 differential.
As the draft progresses, Pittsburgh’s front office still has multiple selections to wield over the next two days. The organization will weigh adding a game-changing defender alongside the already-addressed offensive line, with Rodriguez emerging as a potential cornerstone for the defense in 2026.
