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Jimmy Rolder

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Lions draft Michigan LB Jimmy Rolder, banking on instincts and special-teams upside
sports1 month ago

Lions draft Michigan LB Jimmy Rolder, banking on instincts and special-teams upside

Detroit selected Michigan linebacker Jimmy Rolder with the 118th pick, betting on his strong instincts and solid tackling in spite of just one year as a starter. He posted a low missed-tackle rate, delivered a standout all-around performance against Michigan State in 2025 (10 tackles, 2 TFL, a sack, a fumble recovery, 82.1 PFF), and projects as a key special-teams contributor early while developing as a run defender. He also has a budding connection with fellow defender Jack Campbell from his college days.

Lions add gritty Michigan LB Jimmy Rolder to shore up linebacker depth
sports1 month ago

Lions add gritty Michigan LB Jimmy Rolder to shore up linebacker depth

Detroit selects Michigan linebacker Jimmy Rolder with the 118th pick in the fourth round to bolster a thin Lions linebacking corps, with a path to compete with Malcom Rodriguez for LB3 and potential starter duties in the future. Rolder is praised for strong tackling and run defense (RAS 9.52) and earned All-Big-Ten second-team honors in 2025, but his starting experience is limited and he trails in pass coverage and pass rushing, making development and special-teams role essential for this pick.

Lions land Michigan linebacker Jimmy Rolder in 2026 draft
sports1 month ago

Lions land Michigan linebacker Jimmy Rolder in 2026 draft

The Detroit Lions drafted Michigan linebacker Jimmy Rolder with the 118th overall pick (Round 4) in the 2026 NFL Draft, a selection that could fill a WILL linebacker role as Kelvin Sheppard’s defense evolves. Rolder led Michigan with 73 tackles in 2025, earned the Roger Zatkoff Award, and drew praise for his awareness, sideline-to-sideline speed, and leadership. Expert notes highlight his multi-gap range and coverage upside, while Lions beat writer Tim Twentyman notes Rolder could compete with Malcolm Rodriguez and Damone Clark for a starting role after Alex Anzalone signed elsewhere; Twentyman and Rolder also emphasize the importance of leadership and communication on the field.

Lions add Michigan LB Jimmy Rolder at 118 in 2026 NFL Draft
sports1 month ago

Lions add Michigan LB Jimmy Rolder at 118 in 2026 NFL Draft

Detroit Lions used Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft to select Michigan linebacker Jimmy Rolder with the 118th overall pick, adding a WILL linebacker who led Michigan with 73 tackles (7 tackles for loss) and will compete for a starting role in Kelvin Sheppard’s defense after Alex Anzalone’s departure, with a path to contribute on special teams while learning from Lions linebacker Jack Campbell.

Michigan Triumphs Over Michigan State in Rivalry Clash
sports7 months ago

Michigan Triumphs Over Michigan State in Rivalry Clash

Michigan Wolverines secured a 31-20 victory over Michigan State with key performances from linebacker Jimmy Rolder and strong red zone offense, despite struggles in tackling and discipline in the final moments. Notable winners include Rolder and Michigan's edge rushers, while the second quarter and a late defensive lapse were highlighted as areas for improvement.