For the first time since 2016, the Detroit Lions drafted a pair of players from the University of Michigan, selecting EDGE Derrick Moore and linebacker Jimmy Rolder. Both Moore and Rolder are hard-nosed and gritty players, which aligns with the identity head coach Dan Campbell has built on defense.
While Moore is expected to have a prominent role following EDGE Al-Quadin Muhammad's departure, Rolder enters a far more crowded position. Jack Campbell and Malcolm Rodriguez lead this linebacker unit, while Derrick Barnes splits his snaps between the box and the edge.
Along with them, the Lions have Joe Bachie and undrafted free agent signing Erick Hunter. With little window of opportunity, fans in the Motor City should temper their expectations for Rolder, as he’ll likely have to earn his reps on special teams.
Lions Fans Shouldn’t Expect Early Impact from Jimmy Rolder
Rolder, 22, spent his four-year college career with the Wolverines, playing his first two seasons primarily on the special teams before earning a role on defense. The Illinois native was one of the key defenders to Michigan’s defense this past season, logging 73 total tackles, 7 tackles for loss, two sacks, and one interception.
Despite making just 11 starts and appearing in 909 defensive snaps in his collegiate career, he clearly stood out to general manager Brad Holmes, as the Lions invested a fourth-round selection on him.
His play against the run, combined with his reliability as a tackler, fits the mold for Lions’ linebackers. When Rolder gets his grip on a player, it’s almost guaranteed they’re going down. Last year, Rolder recorded 31 stops and posted a 4.7% percent missed tackle rate, tying for 18th among linebackers according to Pro Football Focus.
While Rolder is a sure, downhill tackler, he must improve in coverage at the next level. Although he wasn’t horrible in this area, he wasn’t particularly great either, allowing 29 receptions on 36 targets for 251 yards and one touchdown.
Rolder’s skillset, combined with his 6’2” and 240-pound frame, fits the profile Detroit is looking for at linebacker. However, given his limited experience, the Lions are jam-packed at linebacker, Rolder won’t have a key role on the defense right away.
Rolder's Path to Playing Time Runs Through Special Teams
With Campbell, Rodriguez, and Barnes taking the bulk of the reps, he’ll have to compete with Bachie and Hunter for rotational reps. Despite having the clear edge over Hunter, Bachie presents a more difficult challenge after signing with Detroit on Wednesday.
Even though the addition provides the Lions with veteran depth at the position, it further narrows Rolder’s path towards becoming a contributor to the defense in 2026. While Rolder will have an opportunity to prove himself in training camp, his clearest path to earning defensive reps will be on special teams.
He proved to be a meaningful contributor on the unit earlier in his collegiate career, logging three tackles in the 2022 season, which earned him a 75.2 special teams grade, per PFF.
Regardless of his current standing, Rolder has the traits and upside to become a future contributor for Detroit.
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