5 things to know about new Lions LB Malcolm Rodriguez

After trading down with the Philadelphia Eagles, the Detroit Lions opted to continue building up their defense with the selection of Oklahoma State linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez.

During college, Rodriguez was a four-year starter, playing safety his first two years, and moved to linebacker due to some injuries. However, his skills should be easily translatable in the Lions defense since he played a similar 4-2-5 scheme at Oklahoma State. The biggest knock Rodriguez has against him is his size, 5-foot-11 and 232 pounds with below-average arm length. But there is no denying his superb athletic traits that, with the right coach, could be used in the right ways which the Lions should be able to do.

Get to know the Rodriguez on a deeper level.

Early Days

Oct 2, 2021; Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez (20) looks over to the sidelines for the call during the first quarter against the Baylor Bears at Boone Pickens Stadium. OSU won 24-14. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports

In high school, he earned the starting quarterback job and was widely successful in the process. He led his team to three consecutive state championships, totaling 43 touchdowns during his senior season while adding 79 tackles as a linebacker/safety hybrid. He earned All-State honors and was named Oklahoma’s Defensive Player of the Year. He was the No. 23 recruit out of Oklahoma, but only Wyoming offered anything until Oklahoma State came late in the game and transitioned to safety.

Earning his way

Jan 1, 2022; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Oklahoma State linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez (20) celebrates with the trophy after defeating Notre Dame in the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher-Arizona Republic
Ncaa Football Playstation Fiesta Bowl Oklahoma State At Notre Dame

As a freshman,…

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