Grading the Detroit Lions’ selection of Jimmy Rolder

TL;DR

The Detroit Lions selected linebacker Jimmy Rolder in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Rolder, known for his tackling ability, addresses the team's linebacker depth needs.

Key points

Detroit Lions drafted Jimmy Rolder in the fourth round.
Rolder addresses linebacker depth needs for the Lions.
He is known for his strong tackling ability.
Only Derrick Barnes is under contract for 2027 at linebacker.
Rolder could become a starter or valuable role player.

Detroit LionsJimmy RolderDerrick BarnesJack Campbell

EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 25: Jimmy Rolder #30 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates after a sack against the Aidan Chiles #2 of the Michigan State Spartans during the first quarter at Spartan Stadium on October 25, 2025 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images) | Getty Images To start the final day of the 2026 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions continued to draft local talent, taking Michigan linebacker Jimmy Rolder in the fourth round at pick 118. With the biggest needs addressed in the first two rounds, the Lions decided to focus on improving their defense and depth at linebacker. There were questions at linebacker, as the only player under contract for 2027 is Derrick Barnes—although the team is expected to extend Jack Campbell this offseason. The team needs long-term options at the position with the rest of the unit on one-year deals. Was this the right time to take a linebacker or should the Lions have picked elsewhere at this spot?

Roster impact

As I mentioned earlier, the linebacker depth on the Lions is thin. Behind the starters of Barnes and Campbell is a question mark. It’s unsure if the Lions will stick with three linebackers in their base, or convert to a two linebacker base defense. No matter what they do, the Lions have Malcom Rodriguez as the top candidate for LB3, but Rolder could compete for that job. There’s also and , who don’t jump off the page to me as starter material. Rolder, at worst, is a serviceable backup for this team and gives them an option for a few years, but at best, could turn into an average starter for Detroit.

Q&A

What round did the Detroit Lions draft Jimmy Rolder?

The Detroit Lions drafted Jimmy Rolder in the fourth round at pick 118.

What are Jimmy Rolder's strengths as a linebacker?

Jimmy Rolder is known for his tackling ability, ranking 15th in college football with an 88.8 tackling grade.

Who are the current linebackers under contract for the Lions in 2027?

As of now, the only linebacker under contract for 2027 is Derrick Barnes, with Jack Campbell expected to be extended.

What is Jimmy Rolder's potential impact on the Lions' defense?

Rolder could compete for a starting linebacker position and provides valuable depth, potentially becoming a starter in the future.