5 things to know about new Detroit Lions LB Jimmy Rolder

The Detroit Lions went back to the Michigan pipeline in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

The Lions scooped up Michigan linebacker Jimmy Rolder at pick No. 118 overall. What is there to know about the Lions latest linebacker?

Here's five things to know about Jimmy Rolder:

Jimmy Rolder led Michigan in tackles in 2025

The 6-foot-2, 238-pound linebacker led the Wolverines with 73 tackles during the 2025 season. In his college career, Rolder racked up 118 tackles, nine tackles for loss, two sacks and one interception.

Jimmy Rolder was a second-team All-Big Ten honoree in 2025

In his lone season starting, Rolder was recognized as a second-team All-Big Ten honoree by both the league's coaches and media.

Jimmy Rolder made just 11 career starts at Michigan

Rolder was just a one-year starter at Michigan. Minor injuries kept Rolder from cracking the starting rotation sooner. But, after Michigan elected to move Jaishawn Barham to more of an edge rusher role, that paved the way for Rolder to morph into a full-time starter.

Rolder was the Will in former Michigan defensive coordinator Wink Martindale's defense and that's where Dane Brugler projects Rolder in his annual "The Beast" breakdown of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Jimmy Rolder is the third Michigan LB to be drafted by the Lions

Per the Lions PR team, Rolder is the third Michigan linebacker all-time to be drafted by Detroit. Rolder joins Andy Cannavino (1981) and Ted Topor (1953).