The first round of the 2026 NFL Draft is through, and the Big 12 made out quite well with six total selections, including three in the top 10.
The San Francisco 49ers are on the clock with the second round scheduled to begin Friday, April 24, at 6 p.m. CT on ESPN and NFL Network.
There are plenty of Big 12 names still on the board, and several could hear their name called in the second and third rounds of the draft in Pittsburgh. Here’s three names to keep on your radar as the draft continues tonight.
Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech, LB
Rodriguez, other than to be duly missed by the Red Raider defense, should certainly find a home in the second round. The buzz around Rodriguez stems from his captainship and veteran experience at linebacker.
In 2025, Rodriguez produced 63 solo tackles for a Texas Tech defense that led the country in stop rate, and finished second in total yards allowed per game with 264.8.
Rodriguez has previously visited with the Cincinnati Bengals and Pittsburgh Steelers.
Domonique Orange, Iowa State, DT
Nicknamed “Big Citrus,” Orange is the No. 5 defensive tackle left on ESPN’s draft board and is best known for his role in stopping the run.
Orange spent all four seasons at Iowa State and is the product of multiple quality Matt Campbell teams. As a senior, Orange saw action in all 12 games after taking just 40 defensive snaps in nine games as a junior.
Orange has previously visited with the Buffalo Bills, Carolina Panthers, Chicago Bears, Houston Texans, and Minnesota Vikings.
Treydan Stukes, Arizona, S
Stukes is considered one of the quickest safeties in the draft, and he’s got six seasons of college football experience behind him – all at Arizona, too, which is a rarity given the selectivity of today’s game. At 190 pounds, Stukes is a ball hawk with 124 career solo tackles and seven interceptions as a Wildcat.
The Litchfield Park, Arizona, native appeared in just 10 games this season after recovering from a season-ending ACL tear in 2024.
Stukes has visited with the Arizona Cardinals, Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, Tennessee Titans and Seattle Seahawks.
