The Detroit Lions are adding another Michigan man to their defense.
The Lions took Michigan linebacker Jimmy Rolder with their first pick on Day 3 of the 2026 NFL draft, No. 118 overall in the fourth round.
Rolder is the second straight Michigan player the Lions have drafted, after trading up to take Michigan defensive end Derrick Moore in the second round Friday, April 24. They also start former Michigan pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson at defensive end.
Rolder was a second-team All-Big Ten selection in his first season as starter last year. He had a team-high 73 tackles, including seven for loss, and one interception while primarily as the team's weak-side linebacker.
Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan linebacker Jimmy Rolder (LB22) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesMichigan linebacker Jimmy Rolder (30) celebrates a Michigan State turnover during the first half at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing on Saturday, October 25, 2025.Aug 31, 2024; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines linebacker Jimmy Rolder (30) celebrates a play in the second half against the Fresno State Bulldogs at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY SportsMichigan linebacker Jimmy Rolder (30) reacts after a tackle against Wisconsin during the first half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025.Michigan linebacker Jimmy Rolder (30) tackles Washington wide receiver Dezmen Roebuck (81) during the second half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025.Michigan linebacker Jimmy Rolder (30) high fives fans before a game against Wisconsin at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025.Former Michigan Wolverines great Charles Woodson talks to linebacker Jimmy Rolder (30) prior to the NCAA football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Mich. on Nov. 29, 2025. Ohio State won 27-9.Michigan linebacker Jimmy Rolder (30) celebrates an interception against Washington during the second half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025.Michigan linebacker Jimmy Rolder (30) tackles Michigan State quarterback Aidan Chiles (2) during the first half at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing on Saturday, October 25, 2025.Michigan linebacker Jimmy Rolder (30) pressures Michigan State quarterback Aidan Chiles (2) during the second half at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing on Saturday, October 25, 2025.1 / 10Meet Detroit Lions' Day 3 picks in 2026 NFL DraftFeb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan linebacker Jimmy Rolder (LB22) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images1 / 10Meet Detroit Lions' Day 3 picks in 2026 NFL DraftFeb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan linebacker Jimmy Rolder (LB22) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images2 / 10Meet Detroit Lions' Day 3 picks in 2026 NFL DraftMichigan linebacker Jimmy Rolder (30) celebrates a Michigan State turnover during the first half at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing on Saturday, October 25, 2025.3 / 10Meet Detroit Lions' Day 3 picks in 2026 NFL DraftAug 31, 2024; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines linebacker Jimmy Rolder (30) celebrates a play in the second half against the Fresno State Bulldogs at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports4 / 10Meet Detroit Lions' Day 3 picks in 2026 NFL DraftMichigan linebacker Jimmy Rolder (30) reacts after a tackle against Wisconsin during the first half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025.5 / 10Meet Detroit Lions' Day 3 picks in 2026 NFL DraftMichigan linebacker Jimmy Rolder (30) tackles Washington wide receiver Dezmen Roebuck (81) during the second half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025.6 / 10Meet Detroit Lions' Day 3 picks in 2026 NFL DraftMichigan linebacker Jimmy Rolder (30) high fives fans before a game against Wisconsin at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025.7 / 10Meet Detroit Lions' Day 3 picks in 2026 NFL DraftFormer Michigan Wolverines great Charles Woodson talks to linebacker Jimmy Rolder (30) prior to the NCAA football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Mich. on Nov. 29, 2025. Ohio State won 27-9.8 / 10Meet Detroit Lions' Day 3 picks in 2026 NFL DraftMichigan linebacker Jimmy Rolder (30) celebrates an interception against Washington during the second half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025.9 / 10Meet Detroit Lions' Day 3 picks in 2026 NFL DraftMichigan linebacker Jimmy Rolder (30) tackles Michigan State quarterback Aidan Chiles (2) during the first half at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing on Saturday, October 25, 2025.10 / 10Meet Detroit Lions' Day 3 picks in 2026 NFL DraftMichigan linebacker Jimmy Rolder (30) pressures Michigan State quarterback Aidan Chiles (2) during the second half at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing on Saturday, October 25, 2025.The Lions were thin at linebacker after letting Alex Anzalone walk in free agency. Jack Campbell and Derrick Barnes return as starters, and Malcolm Rodriguez is the leading candidate to win the third linebacker job.
The team also signed Damone Clark in free agency and returns Trevor Nowaske.
Rolder should contribute on special teams as a rookie and could vie for a rotational spot on defense.
The Lions filled two of their biggest needs at the top of the draft, taking Clemson right tackle Blake Miller with the 17th pick of the first round and Moore after a trade up in Round 2.
They entered Saturday with six picks: No. 118 overall in Round 4, two each in Rounds 5 and 6 and the sixth pick of Round 7, No. 222 overall.
Dave Birkett covers the Lions for the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at dbirkett@freepress.com. Follow him on Bluesky, X and Instagram at @davebirkett.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Lions pick Jimmy Rolder, Michigan LB, in NFL draft Round 4