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EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 25: Jimmy Rolder #30 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates after a fumble recovery against 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 The Detroit Lions have made their third pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, and it’s another Michigan Wolverine. With the 118th pick in the draft, the Lions have selected linebacker Jimmy Rolder.
At 6-foot-2, 238 pounds, Rolder is a little undersized, but could certainly grow into Detroit’s WILL linebacker role, left voided by Alex Anzalone’s departure (6-foot-3, 241) in free agency.
A one-year starter at Michigan, Rolder led the Wolverines in tackles last year with 73 (including 7.0 tackles for loss) in 12 games and 11 starts. He was named Second Team All-Big Ten for is efforts. Coverage is still a work in progress, as Rolder allowed 29 catches on 36 targets last year, per PFF.
Immediately, Rolder should step in as an aggressive and athletic special teamer, which should help Detroit after they lost Grant Stuard in free agency.
Previous Lions picks
Lions remaining picks
- Round 5, Pick 17 (157 overall)
- Round 5, Pick 41 (181 overall)
- Round 6, Pick 24 (205 overall)
- Round 6, Pick 32 (213 overall)
- Round 7, Pick 6 (222 overall)
Top remaining needs for Lions:
Offensive tackleDefensive endLinebacker- Tight end
- Nose tackle
- Defensive back
- Running back
NFL Draft schedule
Day 2
What: Rounds 2-3
When: Friday, April 24 — 7 p.m. ET until around 11:30 p.m.
TV: ABC, ESPN, NFL Network
Online streaming: ESPN app, NFL Plus, ABC, Hulu, Disney+
Day 3
What: Rounds 4-7
When: Saturday, April 25 — Noon ET until around 7 p.m. ET
TV: ABC, ESPN, NFL Network
Online streaming: ESPN app, NFL Plus, ABC, Hulu, Disney+
