Here we are again, doing the thing Lions fans have been trained to do since birth: picking apart a draft class before anyone’s even put on pads. We’re still working through Brad Holmes’ latest handiwork from the 2026 NFL Draft, and after talking about our favorites and biggest surprises, it’s time for the uncomfortable truth.
No draft is perfect. Not even when you have the best GM this franchise has ever had.
Even Holmes Takes His Swings
Look, Holmes has earned our trust in ways that still feel surreal to type. His draft classes have been ridiculous. Penei Sewell, Alim McNeill, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Derrick Barnes. That’s franchise-altering talent in a single year.
But even that legendary class had Levi Onwuzurike in the second round, a pick that’s been derailed by injuries. His 2023 draft class included Hendon Hooker and Brodric Martin in the third round, two players who busted hard enough to get cut.
This is not a criticism of Holmes. This is just reality. Even A+ drafts have misses somewhere in the pile.
The Pick That Has Me Squinting
For me, it’s Michigan linebacker Jimmy Rolder in the fourth round. Before you grab the pitchforks, let me be clear: we know nothing, and I’m hoping like hell this kid becomes everything the Lions think he can be.
But I’m having trouble seeing the fit.
Detroit needed a coverage WILL linebacker. Someone who could handle the middle of the field and not get torched by tight ends and running backs. Based on the film, that doesn’t appear to be Rolder’s strength. His best skills are tackling, downhill run defending, and even some edge setting when he played the SAM role early in 2025. Those are valuable, sure, but the coverage and play recognition still look raw.
Now here’s where I pump the brakes. Rolder was only a one-year starter at Michigan. He’s got the foundation and athleticism to build on, and his tenacious attitude screams special teams ace from day one. That’s decent value for a fourth-rounder.
But Missouri linebacker Kyle Louis was still sitting there on the board. He went 20 picks later to Miami, and he looked like someone who could actually compete for the WILL spot immediately.
The Bigger Question
This has me wondering if Detroit’s pressing need at linebacker has actually been filled, or if we’re looking at more nickel defense because the Lions might not have three quality starting linebackers on the roster right now.
And yes, I know what you’re thinking. This is the kind of overthinking that comes from decades of watching this franchise draft long snappers in the fourth round. But this is different. This is Holmes. When he misses, it’s usually because he swung for upside, not because he panicked or reached for need.
Still, even the best GMs in the league whiff sometimes. The question is whether this pick will age better than my initial gut reaction suggests.
Which Lions 2026 draft pick has you side-eyeing the war room? Drop your take in the comments and tell me why I’m wrong about Rolder.
