Amid the Detroit Lions' apparent love affair with Michigan defenders, their 4th round selection of former Wolverine Jimmy Rolder flew under the radar a bit.
After selecting Derrick Moore in the 2nd round to add a potential sidekick next to Aidan Hutchinson long-term, they took Rolder on Day 3. The linebacker is a tough tackler with some room to grow, but he mostly got undervalued because he was only a starter at Michigan for one season.
However, if you throw on any tape of him from his time with the team, you'll be impressed with his run defense and ability to kill plays on the ground with near ease.
Of course, he also has the ability to turn into a turnover machine in the air. And, he displayed that skillset off rip during the Lions' first day of OTAs, as he apparently recorded a pick against the teams' second-string offense.
Jimmy Rolder is already turning heads after one OTA practice for Detroit Lions @DetroitPodcast
— Detroit Lions On SI (@AllLionsFN) May 28, 2026
Photo Credit: Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions pic.twitter.com/aNukzHA40e
Lions' newest addition to defense already turning some heads
Rolder, who only recorded one career interception with Michigan, but also led the team in tackles in 2025, isn't known for his INT generation. Rather, his tackling is what makes him stand out as a potential starting inside linebacker for Detroit down the road.
At minimum, it already looks like he'll make for a great backup to Malcolm Rodriguez, who is back full-time after recovering from a torn ACL.
Detroit's depth last year was a big problem for them, as they hadn't prepared for the possibility that nearly their entire starting defense would suffer injuries in some way throughout the entire season. I mean, how could you not predict such an absolutely predictable outcome? (I kid).
READ MORE: Top Lions defender has been firmly put on notice ahead of critical 2026 season
In all seriousness, it'll be nice to not have a "Legion of Whom" that we have to hype up every single week headed into 2026. Beyond Rolder, the team added some really solid depth elsewhere on their depth chart, such as Roger McCreary, Christian Izien, Chuck Clark, and D.J. Wonnum. That's a huge improvement compared to what they had on the bench in 2025.
Rolder, along with fellow rookie defenders Moore, Keith Abney II, Skylar Gill-Howard, and Tyre West, will probably continue to generate some highlight-worthy plays in OTAs as they look for their first opportunities to stand out amid a very talented group of veteran defenders.
Friday will be the Lions' first day doing practice in front of reporters, as well, so surely more standout performances will pop over the weekend.
Add us as a preferred source on Google