Michigan’s Jimmy Rolder is currently projected as a Day 3 pick. But he could be one of the Draft’s biggest steals. Learn what his scouting report reveals.
Jimmy Rolder 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report
Measurables:
Height: 6’2.5”
Weight: 240 lbs.
Position: LB
School: Michigan
Background:
A four-star football recruit from Orlando Park, IL, Rolder recorded 115 tackles, 13 TFLs, 4.0 sacks, three interceptions, and two forced fumbles in his senior year. As a standout third baseman at Marist High School, he had multiple Division 1 programs hoping to sign him. But football was Rolder’s first love, and in the end, he couldn’t resist the lure. Choosing Michigan over Ohio State, Illinois, and Minnesota, Rolder’s collegiate career began in 2022.
As a freshman, he served a dual role, playing on special teams and as a reserve linebacker. Making an immediate impact, Rolder was named the Defensive Freshman of the Game on three occasions. However, he provided an even bigger contribution on special teams, earning the Special Teams Freshman of the Year award.
In 2025, Rolder had a breakout senior campaign. Named the starting linebacker, he led the Wolverines defense with 73 tackles, seven TFLs, 2.0 sacks, three PBUs, one interception, and one fumble recovery. Posting ten tackles, two TFLs, 1.0 sack, and a fumble recovery against rival Michigan State University, Rolder earned Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week honors.
Rising to the occasion in crucial game situations once again, he recorded a career-high 12 tackles against Ohio State. A U of M Defensive Player of the Week for his performances against MSU, Central Michigan, Nebraska, Wisconsin, and Washington, Rolder was also the Roger Zatkoff Award winner.
But Rolder’s awards weren’t limited to athletic honors. A Michigan Ross School of Business enrollee, Rolder completed summer internships in wealth management and real estate and was a three-time All-Big Ten Academic honoree.
2026 NFL Combine
At the Combine, the 6’2.5,” 240 lb. Rolder improved his Draft capital with a strong athletic performance. Demonstrating his agility, he posted a 4.26 in the 20-yard shuttle and a 7.00 in the three-cone drill, placing 2nd among LBs in the shuttle and 3rd in his class for the broad jump. In addition, Rolder turned in a 36” vertical jump and a 9’11” broad jump. According to 247Sports, his performance placed in the 94.9th percentile.
Given Rolder’s instincts and run game consistency, NFL Analyst Lance Zierlein found it hard to believe that he only had one year of experience as a starter. However, he concluded, “If you trust the tape and ignore his lack of experience, Rolder profiles as a future starting inside linebacker. “
Strengths:
- Highly instinctive player with superior tackling technique despite his lack of starting experience
- Excellent pad level, base strength, and contact balance
- Navigates traffic well
- An angry, violently determined threat against the run
- Tackles ball carriers, quickly wrapping them up and not losing his man
- Showed marked improvement from year to year
- Penalty-free career at Michigan suggests he plays with discipline and control
Weaknesses:
- Run game is his strength, passing game needs improvement
- Lacks a go-to move or burst off the edge to threaten quarterbacks with any consistency.
- Pass rush doesn’t provide a consistent, convincing threat
- Coverage doesn’t hold up consistently
- Allowed too many completions
- Lacks the range and fluidity to match up with running backs or tight ends in the middle of the field.
Best fits:
Detroit Lions, Los Angeles Chargers, and Miami Dolphins
Last Word On Jimmy Rolder
NFL Draft Buzz grades his tackling technique as “borderline textbook.” Singling out his 2025 performance against Michigan State, his game was described as “a masterclass in linebacker play… and he looked like the best player on the field.”
The profile concluded, “In a league that still needs linebackers who can hold up on early downs and stuff the run, Rolder brings real, tangible value between the tackles.”
As an underrated talent whose draft stock is reduced due to his limited number of starts, Rolder comes up short. However, the talent is real, and the ceiling could be high.
