The Fourth Round Find Who Could Start Day One
Jimmy Rolder led Michigan with 73 tackles in his lone season as a starter. He showed real pass-rush upside. He brings the versatility to play WILL linebacker, where the Lions have a gaping hole after parting ways with Alex Anzalone this offseason.
And yes, I know what you’re thinking. Another late-round linebacker who’s going to save us? But here’s the thing about Brad Holmes: the man doesn’t miss on these picks very often. Jack Campbell was a third rounder who made the Pro Bowl. Malcolm Rodriguez was a sixth rounder who became a starter.
Rolder might be next.
Why It Took So Long For Him To Break Through
Rolder was a late bloomer in high school, not getting his Michigan offer until senior year tape proved he belonged. Raw prospect going into college. Missed most of his sophomore year with injury. Had to fight his way back up the depth chart.
Sound familiar? This is exactly the kind of story Holmes loves to bet on.
“He was a raw prospect going into college, so it took him a little bit to get things going,” says Von Lozon of Maize n Brew, who covered Rolder at Michigan. “Jaishawn Barham moving to edge helped get Rolder in the starting lineup, and he made the most of his final year in college.”
When Rolder finally got his shot, he didn’t waste it. Led the team in tackles. Showed he could handle the position at the highest level of college football.
The Pass Rush Upside Nobody’s Talking About
Here’s what caught my attention: Rolder was tied for seventh on the team in total pressures with 13. For a linebacker. At Michigan.
“I think his pass-rush upside is flying a bit under the radar,” Lozon explains. “He has a good feel for timing blitzes and can finish plays quickly. I think there is even more to that area of his game that can be unlocked in the NFL.”
Dan Campbell loves linebackers who can rush the passer. Always has. And with Aaron Glenn taking his blitz packages to New York, new defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard is going to need guys who can bring heat from the second level.
Rolder missed just four tackles all season. He can handle coverage assignments. He has the speed to play WILL at the next level.
The WILL Spot Is Wide Open
With Anzalone going to Tampa Bay, the Lions have a legitimate competition brewing at WILL linebacker. Malcolm Rodriguez is in the mix. Jack Campbell could slide over. But Rolder has as good a shot as anyone to win that job outright.
“It wouldn’t surprise me if he started some games at WILL at some point as a rookie,” Lozon says. “That spot is wide open for the Lions, and I think Rolder has as good of a shot as Malcolm Rodriguez or any of the others in the room to fill that vacancy.”
The knock on Rolder? Consistency. Some games he flashed. Other games he disappeared completely, which is weird for a guy who led the team in tackles.
But here’s the thing about NFL coaching staffs: they fix consistency issues. Especially coaching staffs in Allen Park that have turned late-round picks into foundational players before.
Trust The Process
Look, I’m not saying Jimmy Rolder is going to walk into Ford Field and immediately become the next great Lions linebacker. But I am saying Brad Holmes doesn’t waste fourth round picks on projects that can’t play.
Rolder has the tools. He has the production when given the chance. He has the versatility to play multiple spots if needed. And he has the pass-rush upside that could make him a real weapon in the right scheme.
In a draft class where Holmes addressed the offensive line and pass rush early, finding a potential starter at linebacker in the fourth round would be exactly the kind of value that separates good GMs from great ones.
Is Rolder going to steal that starting spot, or are we about to watch another promising rookie get buried on the depth chart? Let me know what you think below.
