As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, the Detroit Lions continue to do their due diligence, searching for promising talent in the pre-draft cycle by utilizing the local pipeline.
According to Ryan Fowler, their latest prospect meeting was with Jimmy Rolder, a 22-year-old linebacker who made a mark as a senior but first-year starter for the University of Michigan Wolverines this past season. Notably, NFL teams are allowed 30 official meetings with draft prospects, but this limit excludes locally raised players or those who played at nearby universities.
In addition to visiting the Bears, Bills and Bucs (prior reported here), Michigan LB Jimmy Rolder has also visited the Denver Broncos & Detroit Lions and has had a private workout with the Saints, per source.
— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) April 4, 2026
One of the most instinctive LBs in the class continues to generate…
Rolder’s rise this past season was intriguing, yet a bit unexpected. He anchored the Michigan defense, registering a team-leading 73 tackles, seven of which were for loss. He also compiled 13 total pressures, 2 sacks, 1 interception, and 2 passes defended.
Pro Football Focus awarded Rolder with a solid 74.8 overall defensive grade in 2025, placing him 198th out of 809 qualified linebackers. His run-defense proved to be his best trait, with an 80.1 grade (178th at his position), while his coverage and pass-rush grades were a bit suspect at 65.4 (304th) and 62.3 (448th).
There seems to be some concerns in NFL circles about his pass defense or lack thereof; Rolder allowed a passer rating of 80.0 when targeted, raising questions about his ability to consistently cover NFL tight ends. These concerns are amplified by his relatively limited experience as a one-year starter, but that also suggests there is room for growth as he continues to gain knowledge or opportunity.
Where would Jimmy Rolder fit with the Detroit Lions?
Despite being raw, Rolder is frequently hailed (see what I did there) for his relentless motor and physicality, traits that suggest he could contribute on special teams and develop into a depth linebacker at the NFL level.
The Detroit Lions, who have recently seen the departures of Alex Anzalone, Grant Stuard, and Zach Cunningham this offseason, leave plenty of opportunity behind established names like Jack Campbell and Derrick Barnes, plus add some healthy competition to someone like Malcolm Rodriguez.
When it comes to draft projections, things really vary for Rolder. ESPN’s Mel Kiper has noted (this past December) that Rolder’s draft stock may have climbed following an impressive senior season, with some teams possibly eyeing him earlier in the draft than many had expected.
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"Linebacker Jimmy Rolder was a backup and special-teamer in his first three seasons at Michigan, but he's now thriving in a starting role. He jumps off the screen, showing high football IQ, great closing speed, outstanding coverage traits and the ability to be disruptive as a blitzer. He can stick on opponents in man-to-man, but he also routinely makes plays in zone coverage. At 6-foot-2 and 240 pounds, I have Rolder as an off-ball linebacker, but he has the versatility to slide outside, too.
"Rolder had 10 tackles, two tackles for loss, a fumble recovery and a sack against Michigan State. He now has 52 tackles on the season. He has quickly become one of the best defensive players on that Wolverines roster, and he's picking up draft interest as a result. Rolder wasn't on the radar before the season, so he's really hard to place in this class. But I'm sure scouts are taking notice of his play, and if he finishes out the season well, Rolder could be an early-rounder. Keep an eye on him."
However, the consensus across most mock draft outlets has him going between the fourth and seventh rounds on Day 3, and his average mock draft slot sits around No. 200 overall. It’s worth noting that Pro Football Focus does not include Rolder in their top 325 prospects.
Overall, Rolder possesses the kind of upside NFL teams look for to fill out their rosters late in the draft, or even to sign as an undrafted free agent immediately after the draft concludes. While Rolder may require time to reach his full potential, his blend of production and upside makes him a name to watch for the Detroit Lions as draft day approaches.