There is already a lot of buzz around Malcolm Rodriguez in Detroit. The Lions’ 6th-round rookie made his first appearance in a Lions uniform over the weekend and came away with a humble understanding of where he’s at in the linebacker hierarchy.
While many think he can emerge as an immediate starter in the underwhelming LB room, Rodriguez knows he’s starting from the bottom up.
“Definitely starting on special teams,” Rodriguez said in his media session. “That’s a kicker. Special teams is big here, so getting on special teams and working my way into linebacker.”
Rodriguez also noted he only really had contact with the Lions before the draft in the form of a combine conversation with Detroit LB coach Kelvin Sheppard.
The Oklahoma State standout harkened to his wrestling background. In high school, Rodriguez won two state titles. His explanation about wrestling shows the kind of character the Lions are attracted to.
“I was a two-time state champ. My sophomore year I got second,” Rodriguez said with a wry smile. “It kind of fueled me for my last two years, let’s say that.”
He did so by jumping weight classes. Rodriguez said he wrestled at 152 pounds as a sophomore by then won his state titles in 11th grade at 182 and 12th grade at 195 pounds. He indicated he will be “probably 225 to 230” for the Lions.
