Rodriguez Still Wants to Play Defense, Having Fun at Fullback

Detroit Lions linebacker is enjoying playing a new position.

The Detroit Lions have in the past turned linebackers into fullbacks. 

Recall, Jason Cabinda had experience playing on the defensive side of the football prior to joining Detroit in 2019. 

Unfortunately, the talented linebacker is currently on the injured reserve list due to a knee injury. 

Detroit's coaching staff, which still wanted to deploy a fullback in certain offensive sets, has turned to a member of the defense to fill in. 

Second-year linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez has seen his playing time steadily reduced this season, as rookie Jack Campbell and Derrick Barnes have been on the field alongside veteran Alex Anzalone. 

For the young linebacker, it was a little jarring at first, but then he realized he still would have opportunities to earn playing time on defense. 

“First thought is, oh, they’re throwing me over to the offense," Rodriguez told All Lions. "But they’re like, 'No, we’ve got a guy down.' Cabinda’s down so they’re just like a couple reps. I’ll be down for it, as long as I still get to play defense.

“It’s been fun, you know. Play calls are a little bit longer but other than that, I’ll do whatever for the team.”

Without Cabinda, the Lions were forced to look elsewhere to fill their need at fullback. After a short stint with Darrell Daniels at the position, Detroit turned to Rodriguez. 

The initial idea of Rodriguez playing fullback was born from former senior offensive assistant John Morton, who noted that 2022 sixth-rounder had the build of a fullback upon seeing him in OTAs last year. 

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"When we drafted him last year, we were in OTAs and, I think it was John Morton at the time was with us, he said, 'Golly, that guy looks just like a fullback.' That was something we mentioned to coach back then, and no, he's a linebacker," said offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. "The injury to Cabinda, him being out, kind of opened the door a little bit to guide him down that road. He's done a great job so far. He's a physical player, instinctive, smart which makes the learning curve a lot better for us. I think we've had some production when he's been out on the field." 

Rodriguez played quarterback back in high school, but the transition to playing fullback is still an adjustment. 

“Offensively, I was a quarterback in high school. So it’s been a while on the other side of the ball. Play calls are a lot longer in the NFL obviously. It’s a fun experience to get back on the other side.

“It’s not a little extra work, it’s just a little more studying," Rodriguez explained. "A little extra time on hand studying the plays and getting down with the offense and trying to see what kind of looks they’re giving us. Other than that, it’s been a smooth transition.”

For Rodriguez, blocking provides him the opportunity to play physical, but realizes he must protect himself. 

“Gotta protect my head as much as possible," said Rodriguez. "Wearing an extra Q-Collar here and there. So it’s actually not bad, as long as I get to hit and help the team as much as possible.”

Now having a different vantage point, the young linebacker is able to see why the offense and the offensive line is widely respected. 

“That’s why they’re number one in the league right now," said Rodriguez. "That’s all you’ve gotta say. Those guys are hard workers, and who wouldn’t want to run behind those guys.”

Being part of shootout last week was certainly exciting for members of the roster and not just the fans at home enjoying a high-scoring football game. 

“It was exciting, you know? Going back and forth, having a shootout like that. It’s one of those games where it’s gonna come down to a certain amount of plays, key plays and we ended up coming down with it.

"We're explosive. It’s a fun group to be around and that’s why they go out there each week and put points up.”

While doing additional work on the offensive side of the football, Rodriguez is not in any way neglecting his responsibilities and development on the defensive side of the football. 

“Yeah, I still know the defense in and out," Rodriguez noted. "Shep’s (linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard) always making sure it’s second nature for me now. I still know the D, I’m still in on the game plans. Just a little extra work on offense and I can handle it.”

Additionally, Rodriguez has a role on special teams. He expressed he values that the coaching staff believes in his ability to handle several different roles. 

"I'm staying busy, here and there. Special teams, playing special teams, out here to block. Then on offense too," Rodriguez noted. "So, it’s one of those things where it’s a lot on my plate, but they see me able to do it. And I’ve been able to do it, so I can take the load.”