The Michigan Wolverines were under the notion that the linebacker Jimmy Rolder would return for another season. Even though he had one more year of eligibility remaining, the ex-Michigan linebacker declared for the draft in January. Since then, he has been drawing interest from various teams across the NFL, with two new additions.

“In addition to visiting the Bears, Bills and Bucs (prior reported here), Michigan LB Jimmy Rolder has also visited the Denver Broncos and Detroit Lions and has had a private workout with the Saints, per source," tweeted NFL/CFB analyst Ryan Fowler.  

Rolder played four seasons for the Michigan Wolverines. His first three seasons saw him take a back seat, with the 2023 season being the lowest, with five combined tackles.

But in the 2025 season, the ex-Michigan linebacker took it up a notch, racking up 73 tackles (47 solo), two sacks, and one interception. 

Throughout his career, the Orland Park, Illinois native had 118 total tackles, of which 70 were solo. After wrapping up his college career, the ex-Michigan player turned heads in the NFL Combine, receiving a score of 6.19.

The Detroit Lions are now jumping into the Rolder chase, as they have lost Alex Anzalone, Grant Stuard, and Zach Cunningham. In that way, the ex-Michigan player will be an ideal option, being a second-team All-Big Ten selection.

At the same time, the Denver Broncos might find Alex Singleton's replacement in Rolder.

What Did This Draft Guru Say About the ex-Michigan Wolverines linebacker Jimmy Rodler?

Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN’s long-time draft guru, has kept his eye on Rolder for quite some time. 

“Linebacker Jimmy Rolder was a backup and special-teamer in his first three seasons at Michigan, but he’s now thriving in a starting role. He jumps off the screen, showing high football IQ, great closing speed, and outstanding coverage traits, and the ability to be disruptive as a blitzer,” said Kiper. 

The ex-Michigan linebacker is good at man-to-man defense, which means he can closely follow and cover one specific opponent wherever they go. Rodler's profile, that is, him standing tall at 6'2" and weighing 240 pounds, is also ideal for a linebacker.

"At 6-foot-2 and 240 pounds, I have Rolder as an off-ball linebacker, but he has the versatility to slide outside, too,” said Kiper.  

Rolder also won the conference defensive player of the week in a win over in-state rivals, the Michigan State Spartans. For the 2026 NFL Draft, the ex-Michigan linebacker is expected to be a late-day three pick or priority free agent.

Share your thoughts on which team is likely to draft Jimmy Rolder.

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Written by

Samvruth Raj

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar