Tony Rojas, LB, Penn State: 2027 NFL Draft Prospect Profile & Scouting Report
1. General Information
|
Name |
Tony Rojas |
|
Position |
Linebacker (LB) |
|
Number |
13 |
|
Class |
Senior |
|
School |
Penn State |
|
Height / Weight |
6’2″ / 236 lbs |
|
Hometown / HS |
Fairfax, Va. / Fairfax HS |
2. Career Statistical Breakdown
Defensive Performance & Pass Rush Production
- 2023 (Penn State): 13 G, 22 Tackles, 3.5 TFL, 0.0 Sacks, 0 INT, 1 FF
- 2024 (Penn State): 16 G, 58 Tackles, 6.0 TFL, 1.0 Sacks, 1 INT, 0 FF
- 2025 (Penn State): 4 G, 25 Tackles, 4.5 TFL, 2.0 Sacks, 0 INT, 0 FF
- Total: 33 G, 105 Tackles, 14.0 TFL, 3.0 Sacks, 1 INT, 1 FF
3. NFL Combine Testing Projections
Projected metrics for the 2027 NFL Draft cycle based on historic verified high school tracking metrics, linear acceleration traits, and standard short-area closing speed indicators.
- 40-Yard Dash: 4.52 – 4.64s
- Vertical Jump: 34.5″ – 36.5″
- Broad Jump: 10’0″ – 10’4″
- 20-Yard Shuttle: 4.20 – 4.34s
- 3-Cone Drill: 7.02 – 7.18s
4. Scouting & Transfer Notes
Background Profile
Rojas entered the collegiate landscape with a consensus four-star reputation and top-150 national recruit status, coming out of Fairfax High School in Virginia, where he put up ridiculous prep total offense and defensive numbers. Choosing Penn State over a heavy nationwide offer sheet, he broke straight into the rotation as a true freshman in 2023, appearing in all 13 contests on defense and special teams to notch 21 tackles and an interception.
Rojas expanded his role as a sophomore in 2024 under James Franklin’s staff, locking down high-volume reps and logging a career-high 56 tackles, including 6.0 tackles for loss. He carried massive breakout expectations into the 2025 campaign, jumping out to 25 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and 2.0 sacks through just 4 starts. Regrettably, his season was suddenly halted by a severe left leg injury that required complex post-season surgery. Working through an intensive rehabilitation sequence, Rojas returns for the 2026 season as an upperclassman leader under Matt Campbell’s newly inherited defensive structure, positioned as a premier modern linebacker option.
Key Strengths
- Exceptional Functional Speed & Agility: Showcases elite lateral redirect habits and loose, fluid hips that enable him to drop into space and track down boundary runs smoothly.
- Natural Spatial Diagnostic Awareness: Highly instinctual processor who triggers instantly on pre-snap keys; avoids block adjustments cleanly inside traffic.
- Premium Frame Outline: Carries an ideal, evenly distributed 236-pound frame that features great lower-body bend and leverage, matching up to modern tight ends.
- High-Volume Blitz Efficiency: Brings great value as an off-ball interior pressure generator, showing excellent snap reaction and closing burst when attacking running tracks.
Developmental Focus
The primary evaluation storyline regarding Rojas’ pro valuation will center entirely on his ongoing physical recovery from the complex leg injury that wrecked his 2025 season. Professional scouts will track his 2026 defensive performance, step by step, to ensure he returns with 100% of his signature baseline twitch and short-area explosion.
On the field, continuing to refine his stack-and-shed hand usage to proactively clear climbing interior blocks rather than trying to run around heavy guards will finalize his draft projection as an elite early-round three-down modern off-ball linebacker asset.
Draft Countdown Film Notes
10/2/26 (at Northwestern) 12 tackles (5 solos), 3.5 TFL, 1 sack, 1 PBU
Rojas continues to show no signs of his injury as his big start to 2026 continues. He was a backfield menace against NW. Rojas attacks downfield quickly. He is solid in coverage. I would also expect Rojas to test extremely well at the Combine.
All-Star Game Notes
Senior Bowl 300
East West Shriners Bowl 1000
Combine/Pro Day Measurables
*pending*