The Detroit Lions went back to the Michigan pipeline in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Lions scooped up Michigan linebacker Jimmy Rolder at pick No. 118 overall. What is there to know about the Lions latest linebacker?
Here’s five things to know about Jimmy Rolder:
Jimmy Rolder led Michigan in tackles in 2025
The 6-foot-2, 238-pound linebacker led the Wolverines with 73 tackles during the 2025 season. In his college career, Rolder racked up 118 tackles, nine tackles for loss, two sacks and one interception.
Jimmy Rolder was a second-team All-Big Ten honoree in 2025
In his lone season starting, Rolder was recognized as a second-team All-Big Ten honoree by both the league’s coaches and media.
Jimmy Rolder made just 11 career starts at Michigan
Rolder was just a one-year starter at Michigan. Minor injuries kept Rolder from cracking the starting rotation sooner. But, after Michigan elected to move Jaishawn Barham to more of an edge rusher role, that paved the way for Rolder to morph into a full-time starter.
Rolder was the Will in former Michigan defensive coordinator Wink Martindale’s defense and that’s where Dane Brugler projects Rolder in his annual “The Beast” breakdown of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Jimmy Rolder is the third Michigan LB to be drafted by the Lions
Per the Lions PR team, Rolder is the third Michigan linebacker all-time to be drafted by Detroit. Rolder joins Andy Cannavino (1981) and Ted Topor (1953).
Jimmy Rolder’s stepfather played for the Miami Dolphins
Rolder grew up south of Chicago with his mother, Laura Kehoe, and his stepfather, Scott Kehoe. His stepfather played offensive tackle at Illinois before joining the Miami Dolphins in 1987 as an undrafted free agent.
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This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: 5 things to know about new Detroit Lions LB Jimmy Rolder
Reporting by Josh Helmer, Lions Wire / Lions Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
