Tape study: What are the Detroit Lions getting in former Michigan LB Jimmy Rolder?
Allen Park — Detroit is in the midst of a transitional period at linebacker.
Jack Campbell is the constant, a foundational centerpiece. Sure, the first-team All-Pro is entering the final year of his rookie deal, but a long-term extension is on the horizon.
Then there’s Derrick Barnes, who is under contract the next two years, but nothing is guaranteed beyond this season. The way his pact is structured, 2027 will be a team option.
Entering the draft, everything else was up in the air beyond the upcoming season. Longtime captain Alex Anzalone didn’t field a competitive offer from the team ahead of free agency and opted to sign with Tampa Bay. Meanwhile, Malcolm Rodriguez and Trevor Nowaske were re-signed, and Damone Clark and Joe Bachie were added, but all to one year deals.
To add a little stability beyond Campbell, the Lions used a fourth-round pick, No. 118 overall, on Michigan’s Jimmy Rolder.
“I thought he was highly instinctive,” Lions general manager Brad Holmes said about making the selection. “…Thought he was very instinctive, was a really good tackler. He doesn’t really miss hardly any tackles. He just plays with his hair on fire. He’s stronger than you think. He could actually set edges if you put him on the edge.”
We’re pretty deep into this tape study series, so you know the drill. Let’s go through the film and understand Rolder’s strengths, weaknesses and appeal to Detroit before projecting how his role could evolve.
Games watched
2025: vs. Wisconsin, at Michigan State, vs. Ohio State, vs. Texas (Citrus Bowl)
Note: Rolder is No. 30 in the clips below.