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.
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 Round 4 of NFL draft
Reporting by Dave Birkett, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
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