Malcolm Rodriguez Addresses Concerns About Being Undersized

Detroit Lions rookie linebacker is ready to make an impact on defense.

Malcolm Rodriguez has officially embarked on his rookie season in the NFL. 

Drafted in the sixth round by the Detroit Lions, the Oklahoma State linebacker is expected to come in and make an impact. 

Speaking on the "Woodward Heavyweights" show, Rodriguez shared his thoughts on beginning his career with the Lions. 

“It’s definitely surreal,” Rodriguez said. “When I got up there, working out a little bit, OTAs and everything, it kinda hit me a little bit. But, until I hit that first preseason game, I feel like it’s gonna smack me in the face and be like, ‘Yeah, you’re here now.’ It’s kinda gonna be a little shock, but I’ve kinda let it ease into me so far.”  

Coming out of Wagoner High School in Wagoner, Okla., he had the option to play either football or basketball. After choosing football and heading to Oklahoma State, he quickly realized that playing professionally was becoming a reality. 

“After college, my draft stock and all that came back, so I was like, ‘Let’s just go all the way,’” Rodriguez said. “I kinda put everything into it, it’s gonna pay out. So, I just kinda busted my tail ever since I was six and started playing. It’s just one of those things that I’m just blessed to make it this far.”  

While at Wagoner, Rodriguez won a wrestling state championship. Despite being undersized as a linebacker at 5-foot-11, he developed physicality on the wrestling mat that carried over to the gridiron.  

The linebacker explained that though many view being undersized as a detriment, there are advantages to having shorter arms and a compact stature. 

“It’s just one of those things where it was a height thing, that’s why I fell so far (in the draft),” Rodriguez said. “The height and the arms. I always kind of used that to my advantage, being a wrestler, and having different angles and different ways to attack people. Different ways to attack people and linemen, obviously with short, compact arms. Either hit them or beat them with speed.

“It’s one of those things where I just kinda put it in the back of my mind and go out there and try to be around the ball, with my instincts and everything.”  

This ability to move quickly and attack will fit well with what Detroit defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn is hoping to do with his new scheme.

“(The new scheme) reminds me a lot of what we did at OSU,” Rodriguez said. “We’d put guys in gaps, and we each had a gap. The defensive line in front of us, they’re in one gap and take that gap. If not, linebackers are shooting through. He makes it very simple, with run keys and pass keys, and we’re gonna play very fast, like I did at OSU. It’s gonna be a fun system to be in, especially for my first year.” 

First impressions of head coach Dan Campbell

Rodriguez will play for head coach Dan Campbell, who is entering his second season at the helm of the Lions. Known for his quips, passion and energy, Campbell has become a popular figure in NFL circles. 

The rookie linebacker shared his first impressions of the head coach in the interview.  

“For me, it was like, man, this guy is down to Earth,” Rodriguez said. “He’s been in this spot before and he’s a grinder. You can tell he’s been through the ups and downs in his career and definitely, for sure, he likes those guys that’s kinda hard-nosed. He wants to go out there and work, and you get that vibe off him. He doesn’t care if you’re first round, seventh round or undrafted and he just wants some players that are gonna go out there, have fun with the sport and ball out.”

Rodriguez joins a list of players heading to Detroit by way of Oklahoma State, the same journey made by Barry Sanders, who many believe to be the best Lions player of all time. 

The rookie said he’s met Sanders on occasions at Oklahoma State games and plans to reach out to the legend regarding places to go in Detroit. He joked that he believes he could take down the former running back if they were to meet head-to-head.  

“Now, I’m like, I’m a little bit bigger than this guy,” Rodriguez said with a smile. “I’ve seen this guy’s highlight tape, he’s got a little shake in there still. I’m like, I don’t know if I want any of that. But no, he’s a down-to-Earth, very humble guy.” 

As Rodriguez enters the linebacker room, he’ll consult with the veterans of the group to get a feel for the NFL ranks. Among those available in Detroit is Alex Anzalone, a 27-year-old who is entering his sixth professional season.  

“It just gets his perspective on like what he’s been, what are his experiences,” Rodriguez said. “I met him first day, actually, when he got back from Florida. Just the rookies were there and he ended up coming in and so I got to talk to him, got to meet his wife and his kids so it was pretty cool. He’s one of those guys who, if I ever need anything like playbook help or stuff outside of football, he’s always been there.” 

Hobbies outside of football

As the rookie prepares for life in the NFL, he’s begun working on hobbies outside the white lines of the football field. 

Most recently, he’s been playing video games like "MLB The Show." He told the hosts that he may begin streaming on Twitch in the future. 

With his entry in the NFL, Rodriguez will be in the newest edition of the popular video game, "Madden." He said he hopes his player rating will at least crack into the 70's. He said he believes his quickness is worthy of a high rating. 

“Gotta get me at least 80's,” Rodriguez said.