Jimmy Rolder will enter training camp with positive momentum

After the Detroit Lions lost Alex Anzalone in the offseason, they didn't immediately replace him with a veteran linebacker. Instead, they selected Jimmy Rolder in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. On paper, this potentially leaves the Lions thin in the linebacker room. Behind Derrick Barnes and Jack Campbell, linebacker isn't one of the strongest positions for Detroit. That might change as Rolder has built a ton of positive momentum in OTAs and minicamp.

How bright the Lions' defense shone during this week's minicamp was noted by team insiders. Justin Rogers of Detroit Football Network highlighted the interception-happy defense, "which picked off three passes and realistically should have had two more." Rolder's interception on a Teddy Bridgewater pass set the tone for the defense.

Jimmy Rolder will create a training camp competition at linebacker

That leaping grab wasn't even the first interception the rookie out of Michigan had in spring and summer play. He has been very active getting his hands on passes throughout these practices, making a case for himself as the potential third starter at linebacker.

Rolder's play got the attention of linebackers coach Shaun Dion Hamilton, who had a ton of praise for him during the minicamp. He said that Rolder has already shown "tremendous growth," and added, "He’s been good. Still has a lot of room for growth, but I’m pretty good with where he is now," per Dave Birkett of Detroit Free Press.

Defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard seconded these remarks earlier during offseason practices. He underlined the need for Rolder to keep growing and said, "his trajectory and where we see things going for him is definitely on the upswing,” per MLive's Benjamin Raven.

Currently, Malcolm Rodriguez is surely ahead of Rolder in the pecking order, but if the rookie continues his trajectory, he will compete for that job.

The Lions are expected to use their base defense of three linebackers less than they did last season, after being the team that depended on their base defense the most in the league. This didn't necessarily produce good defensive results, so Sheppard has been saying that they will use the nickel position more in 2026.

This means that Detroit will take out a linebacker for a slot cornerback, which will be Roger McCreary more often than not. This could reduce Rolder's potential defensive snaps.

The good thing is that the Lions don't need Rolder to be an immediate contributor this season. It would be a nice bonus if he made a huge impact as a rookie, but as long as he is serviceable in his snaps and is ready for a larger role in 2027, the Lions won't regret taking him in the fourth round. And it sounds like he is on track to do that.

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