April 25, 2026, 1:06 p.m. ET
From reserve to the NFL − Jimmy Rolder’s climb is full.
Rolder, a linebacker for Michigan football, was taken No. 118 general by the Detroit Lions in the fourth round on Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft, changing into the fourth former Wolverine off the board, following Derrick Moore, Marlin Klein and Jaishawn Barham.
Rolder joins Moore because the second Wolverine to be drafted by the Detroit Lions in their first three picks.
Rolder’s athletic profession started as a baseball recruit (and an Illinois commit) earlier than he switched to soccer and have become a four-star prospect. After breaking into the rotation in 2022 and enjoying in 13 video games as a real freshman (9 at linebacker), Rolder noticed his 2023 marketing campaign derailed by accidents, showing in simply six contests.
By 2024, Rolder was not buried on the depth chart behind Junior Colson and Michael Barrett, and he performed 12 video games. In his breakout 2025 camptaign Rolder performed in 12 video games (11 begins) at linebacker and led the staff with 73 tackles, which included seven for loss and two sacks, all whereas breaking apart three passes, had one interception and recovered one fumble.
Rolder completed as a consensus second-team All-Big Ten choice and, despite having a season remaining of eligibility, opted for the draft. His mix exercise appeared to assist enhance his inventory, too.
Rolder, ay 6-foot-2½ and 228 kilos, finished with a 9.51 RAS (Relative Athletic Score), higher than 95.1% of the three,364 linebackers who’ve examined since 1987. Rolder performed 565 snaps this previous season and missed simply 4 tackles all 12 months, in line with Pro Football Focus.
Rolder is now the third Michigan linebacker drafted in the previous three seasons, becoming a member of 2024 choices Colson (Los Angeles Chargers, second round) and Michael Barrett (Panthers, seventh round). Rolder, who excelled on particular groups his first three years in Ann Arbor, may carve out a job for himself there as he tries to work his method 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 author for the Detroit Free Press. Email him at apgarcia@freepress.com and comply with him on X at @RealTonyGarcia.
