Can Jimmy Rolder be the newest star to come from Michigan for the Lions?
With Detroit Lions rookies set to report to training camp Saturday, the focus will soon shift to a handful of intriguing position battles. First-round tackle Blake Miller and second-round edge rusher Derrick Moore have received much of the attention throughout the offseason, but another rookie could make a significant impact in 2026.
That player is fourth-round linebacker Jimmy Rolder.
The Lions selected the Michigan linebacker with the No. 118 overall pick, adding another in-state prospect while addressing a need at linebacker following Alex Anzalone’s departure in free agency. Rolder enters training camp with an opportunity to compete for immediate playing time, and his performance over the next several weeks could determine whether he earns a starting role.
Rolder put together a productive 2025 season at Michigan. According to Pro Football Focus, he earned a 74.8 overall defensive grade, including an 80.1 run-defense grade, while posting a 65.4 coverage grade and a 62.3 pass-rush grade. He recorded 57 solo tackles, 13 quarterback pressures, two sacks and allowed an 80.0 passer rating when targeted in coverage. He also missed just four tackles across 481 defensive snaps.
Over his college career, Rolder totaled 70 solo tackles, nine tackles for loss, two sacks, one interception and two pass breakups.
Physically, Rolder measures 6-foot-2½ and 238 pounds with 30½-inch arms and 9¾-inch hands. While he did not participate in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine, he impressed with a 36-inch vertical jump, a 9-foot-11 broad jump, a 4.26-second shuttle and a 7.00-second three-cone drill. Those numbers showcased the short-area quickness and change-of-direction ability that consistently appeared on film.
Rolder’s biggest strengths are his instincts and athleticism. He diagnoses plays quickly, takes efficient pursuit angles and has proven to be a reliable tackler. His 80.1 run-defense grade highlights his ability to defend the run, while his effectiveness as a blitzer adds another dimension to his game. He also arrives in Detroit with valuable special teams experience and committed zero penalties during his college career.
Rolder made an early impression during organized team activities. He saw several first-team reps and intercepted a pass while working with the second-team defense, showing the instincts that made him one of the more intriguing linebackers in this year’s draft class.
The biggest question entering training camp is whether Rolder can win the starting outside linebacker job. He will compete with Malcolm Rodriguez and Trevor Nowaske for the role vacated by Anzalone. Rodriguez appears to have the early advantage after four seasons in Detroit and familiarity with defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard’s system. However, the Lions have never been afraid to trust rookies if they earn the job. Rodriguez himself became a starter as a rookie after impressing during training camp.
Rolder has all the tools to carve out an immediate role on Detroit’s defense. His instincts, athleticism and physicality should allow him to contribute early, even if he doesn’t open the season as a starter. While I expect Rodriguez to win the Week 1 job, don’t be surprised if Rolder earns meaningful snaps throughout the season and eventually starts several games as his role continues to grow.
