How Jimmy Rolder will impact the Detroit Lions

ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 2: Jimmy Rolder #30 of the Michigan Wolverines in coverage during the first half of a game against the Oregon Ducks at Michigan Stadium on November 2, 2024 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Image Of Sport/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Detroit Lions opened up Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft by selecting Michigan linebacker Jimmy Rolder with pick No. 118 in the fourth round.

Rolder has limited starting experience, but you wouldn’t know it based on the way he confidently moves on the football field. Let’s take a look at Rolder’s background and traits and discuss how his addition will impact the Lions roster in 2026 and beyond. Round 4, Pick 118: Jimmy Rolder Rolder is still developing as a player, dating back to high school, when his high school shut down its football program due to COVID.

Rolder ended up pivoting to baseball, even earning a scholarship offer from Illinois. When football returned, Rolder rejoined the football field and caught the eye of Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike MacDonald, who was Michigan’s defensive coordinator at the time. After contributing on special teams for his first two seasons in Ann Arbor, Rolder worked his way into a rotational role in year three and a starting role as a senior, leading the Wolverines in tackles in 2025.

Fit with the Lions Despite his lack of starting experience, Rolder displays great awareness and instincts for the position. Those traits are especially prominent in run defense, where he is gap sound, has the range to cover multiple gap assignments, and demonstrates sideline-to-sideline range. He has violent hands and consistently moves cleanly through the wash, but if an offensive lineman does get a hold of him, his limited length does cause him problems when attempting to shed.