Rookie Jacob Rodriguez leads NFL with 24 defensive stops

46 tackles through four games

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated 56m1 min read

Rookie Jacob Rodriguez is an offense STOPPER 🛑 https://t.co/TG7IWrRdNL Via @PFF on X

What happened: Jacob Rodriguez totaled 18 tackles with 9 solo stops against Minnesota. He is up to 46 tackles through four games in his rookie season.

Why it matters: Jacob Rodriguez has moved to the top of the league in defensive stops early in the 2026 season. That production from a second-round rookie stabilizes the middle of the defense and puts him among the leaders in total tackles and run stops.

By the numbers: 24 defensive stops lead the NFL, ahead of Greenlaw at 17. Tied for first in total tackles, tied for second in run stops, second in assisted tackles and tied for third in interceptions among linebackers.

What to watch: Next games will test whether Rodriguez holds the stops lead into Week 5.

Sources

@PFF 2026-10-06T15:01:14.891314+00:00

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