The Indianapolis Colts have some obvious needs in the 2026 NFL draft that have to be addressed, even while the team doesn't have a first-round draft pick. One of the positions that needs to be remedied is inside linebacker, and some hope that Texas Tech's Jacob Rodriguez will be an Indy target.
That might not be possible, though. The Cincinnati Bengals, coincidentally, Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo's last team, also have their eyes on Rodriguez, based on a recent visit Cincy had with the linebacker. NFL insider Tom Pelissero reported the visit.
Plus, the Bengals are currently set to have two draft picks before Indianapolis gets its first chance to choose. The Colts' first selection, unless the team finds a way to move up in the draft, comes at 47. Cincinnati is set to pick at 10 and 41.
Cincinnati Bengals might be poised to steal Jacob Rodriguez from the Indianapolis Colts
Rodriguez isn't going to be selected at No. 10, that is for sure. That isn't because he isn't capable of being a very good player for a long time in the NFL, but more because of the relatively devalued position he plays. Inside linebackers don't go at pick 10 unless they are generational talents.
Still, Jacob Rodriguez has all the kinds of abilities that the Indianapolis Colts need for a team that is trying to get younger and more athletic defensively. He has elite coverage skills, something Indy got from no off-ball linebacker they had in 2025, and he is one of the better run-stoppers entering the 2026 draft.
While the linebacker didn't get too many quarterback pressures in his final season at Texas Tech, he also wasn't being asked to do much of that. Instead, he was tasked with doing everything Indy will need him to: Play run support from sideline to sideline and cover running backs and tight ends well.
The Cincinnati Bengals have many of the same needs that the Colts have, though. As inconsistent and inefficient as Indianapolis was at times last season, the Bengals were the latter for nearly the entire season. Cincy was atrocious defensively.
That last part is important because while the Bengals need a presumed high-end inside linebacker, they also have lots of other needs that they might choose to fill inside of going with Rodriguez. Instead, Cincinnati might take an edge rusher or cornerback. That would certainly help the Colts.
Of course, Indianapolis also needs an upgrade at edge rusher, and might go with a player at that spot instead of an inside linebacker. The Colts might have too many defensive holes to fill in the 2026 draft without a first-round selection.
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