Michigan LB Jimmy Rolder picked by Lions in fourth round of NFL Draft

By 2024, Rolder was no longer buried on the depth chart behind Junior Colson and Michael Barrett, and he played 12 games. In his breakout 2025 camptaign Rolder played in 12 games (11 starts) at linebacker and led the team with 73 tackles, which included seven for loss and two sacks, all while breaking up three passes, had one interception and recovered one fumble.

Rolder finished as a consensus second-team All-Big Ten selection and, despite having a season remaining of eligibility, opted for the draft. His combine workout appeared to help improve his stock, too.

Rolder, ay 6-foot-2½ and 228 pounds, finished with a 9.51 RAS (Relative Athletic Score), better than 95.1% of the 3,364 linebackers who've tested since 1987. Rolder played 565 snaps this past season and missed just four tackles all year, according to Pro Football Focus.

Rolder is now the third Michigan linebacker drafted in the past three seasons, joining 2024 selections Colson (Los Angeles Chargers, second round) and Michael Barrett (Panthers, seventh round). Rolder, who excelled on special teams his first three years in Ann Arbor, could carve out a role for himself there as he tries to work his way up the linebacker depth chart.

"I’m excited to contribute and compete on an NFL defense. I’m excited to play special teams as well," Rolder told Sports Illustrated last month. "I’m willing to do whatever it takes as a rookie. I’m going to make an impact, whether as a backup linebacker or as the starter."

Tony Garcia is the Michigan beat writer for the Detroit Free Press. Email him at apgarcia@freepress.com and follow him on X at @RealTonyGarcia.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan LB Jimmy Rolder picked by Lions in fourth round of NFL Draft