Back-to-back Michigan picks? The Detroit Lions double down on defense, grabbing Jimmy Rolder — an instinctive, high-motor linebacker with elite agility and a nose for the football.
With Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft underway, the Detroit Lions added depth and versatility to their defense by selecting linebacker Jimmy Rolder out of University of Michigan with pick No. 118. The move marks back-to-back selections of Michigan players for Detroit, reinforcing a clear emphasis on familiar, battle-tested talent from a winning college program.
Rolder fills another need at outside linebacker while continuing general manager Brad Holmes’ trend of targeting high-motor defenders with strong football instincts. With additional picks at Nos. 157, 181, 205, 213 and 222, the Lions remain well-positioned to continue building depth across the roster.
Rolder’s 2025 season production reflects a player who steadily contributed across multiple phases. He posted a 74.8 overall defensive grade from Pro Football Focus, appearing in 481 snaps. He recorded 57 solo tackles and just four missed tackles, translating to a strong 4.6% missed tackle rate — a figure that underscores his reliability as a finisher in space. His 80.1 run-defense grade highlights his effectiveness against the run, where he consistently diagnosed plays quickly and took efficient pursuit angles to the ball.
In coverage, Rolder earned a 65.4 grade and allowed an 80.0 passer rating when targeted. While not elite in that area, those numbers indicate he can hold his own in zone concepts and avoid becoming a liability. As a blitzer, he added 13 total pressures and two sacks, showing flashes of timing and burst when attacking the pocket. His 62.3 pass-rush grade suggests room for development, but the production indicates a foundation the Lions can build on.
For his career, Rolder totaled 70 solo tackles, nine tackles for loss, two sacks, one interception and two pass deflections. He also finished his college career without committing a single penalty, a notable mark of discipline and awareness.
From a measurables standpoint, Rolder brings solid size and above-average athletic traits. He measured 6-foot-2½ and 238 pounds, with 30.5-inch arms and 9.75-inch hands. At the NFL combine, he posted a 36-inch vertical and a 9-foot-11 broad jump, both strong indicators of lower-body explosiveness.
Where Rolder truly stood out was in agility testing. His 4.26-second short shuttle and 7.00-second three-cone drill ranked among the best in his position group, highlighting elite short-area quickness and change-of-direction ability — key traits for linebackers tasked with covering ground laterally and reacting quickly to developing plays.
He did not run the 40-yard dash at the combine but posted a 4.68 at Michigan’s pro day. That time places him in the average range for NFL linebackers, reinforcing the evaluation that his game is built more on instincts and quickness than pure long speed. He also recorded 17 bench press reps, showing adequate functional strength.
Beyond the numbers, Rolder’s value is amplified by his intangibles. He is widely regarded as an instinctive defender who diagnoses plays quickly, takes disciplined angles and contributes on special teams. His experience in multiple roles at Michigan — including coverage units — should help him carve out an immediate role on game day.
The Lions continue to emphasize toughness, intelligence and efficiency on defense, and Rolder fits that mold. While he may not project as an instant star, his combination of reliability, athletic agility and football IQ gives him a strong chance to develop into a key rotational piece — and potentially more — as Detroit continues its push toward contention.