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2026 Draft: Linebacker

Jimmy Rolder, LB, Michigan, 6'2.5", 238

I decided to check him out as we met with him at his pro day. He's Lance Zierlein's 8th highest graded LB who grades him as a "good backup with the potential to develop into a starter".

Here's Zierlein's scouting report.

Overview​

Rolder’s instincts and run-game consistency make it hard to believe he was only a one-year starter in college. He plays low and leveraged with violent hands to shock and slip off blocks. He finds the best routes to the run gap and maneuvers around traffic with efficiency to tighten angles to the ball-carrier. He plays with good awareness and change of direction in space but has average pursuit speed and coverage talent. Few linebackers in this draft finish tackles with the technique and consistency he displays. If you trust the tape and ignore his lack of experience, Rolder profiles as a future starting inside linebacker.

Strengths​

  • Rarely sits back and waits for the play to come to him.
  • Excellent pad level, base strength and contact balance.
  • Explodes heavy hands into climbers to separate.
  • Innate GPS finds the best paths to ball-carriers.
  • Rare to find a broken tackle against him on tape.
  • Closes distance and bodies through tackles with consistent wrap.
  • Sifts through route development and finds the nearest threat.

Weaknesses​

  • Made just 11 starts in his collegiate career.
  • Downhill drift loses pursuit angles when run bounces outside.
  • Needs to keep outside shoulder uncovered to maintain contain.
  • Below-average length and speed limits tackles chances wide.
  • Inconsistent feel for working under or over climbing blocks.
  • Slightly below-average cover talent in man and zone.

Rolder only has 4 missed tackles on the year and an 80 run defence grade. His coverage grade is only average though.

He does sound like someone to take on that Gibbens role and be in prime position to replace Spillane long term.
 
How about we revisit this guy after his combine performance?

 
bakes781 said:
How about we revisit this guy after his combine performance?

Click to expand...

I agree he's not talked about enough but I just don't see any breadcrumbs yet to suggest we're taking a LB early. He is being underrated though.
 
Hill has all the talent in the world. His processing speed seems slow, and his tape is erratic. He could be dominant, could be meh.
 
mayoclinic said:
Hill has all the talent in the world. His processing speed seems slow, and his tape is erratic. He could be dominant, could be meh.
Click to expand...
I kind of like him for us. Watching film with Spillane and having a head coach that was an LB could be a good spot for him. He flashes in every aspect and just turned 21. In the age of many prospects being rookies at 24/25, I think the guys that are 21 years old for their entire rookie year should be evaluated in a different light.

He could be the eventual replacement for Spillane, but could bring some speed and pass rush juice as a rookie.
 
Rdforty2 said:
I kind of like him for us. Watching film with Spillane and having a head coach that was an LB could be a good spot for him. He flashes in every aspect and just turned 21. In the age of many prospects being rookies at 24/25, I think the guys that are 21 years old for their entire rookie year should be evaluated in a different light.

He could be the eventual replacement for Spillane, but could bring some speed and pass rush juice as a rookie.
Click to expand...
From Lance Zierlein's scouting report. note the comp and the first line of his summary.

Analysis​



NFL Comparison
Bobby Wagner

Overview​

Three-down linebacker with the playing demeanor and production of a future Pro Bowler. He posted 31.5 TFLs, 17 sacks and eight forced fumbles in his three seasons at Texas, making an impact in every phase. He’s instinctive, athletic and under control, transitioning seamlessly from read to react to finish. He plays with downhill thump to thwart interior blocks and the speed to pursue runners from sideline to sideline. Hill has plus cover talent in man or zone, proven credentials as a blitzer or edge rusher, and finishes plays as a strong, reliable tackler. Consistency and field command make him one of the safer linebackers in the class. His size, speed and versatility allow him to profile as an instant-impact rookie at Mike or Will ‘backer.
 
Is it just me or does Anthony Hill look a bit clunky here?

 
Yes, but I wouldn't read too much into it.
 
From an interview with Jimmy Rolder. My current favourite to be future Robert Spillane.

"
JM: What's your favorite aspect of playing the linebacker position?

Jimmy Rolder: I appreciate having the ability to be the leader of the defense. It starts with the linebacker, especially if you’re wearing the green dot. The defense looks to us for direction and coordination.

I love being in the role of a leader. It’s an awesome responsibility."


Jimmy Rolder’s NFL Draft Rise Has Scouts Suddenly Paying Close Attention

Michigan linebacker Jimmy Rolder capitalized when his opportunity arrived. After honing his craft as a developmental talent, Rolder started for the Wolverines i
www.si.com
 
Jake Golday reportedly recorded a 6.84 3-cone times at the Cincinnati pro day. Under 6.85 elite for LBs.

3-Cone Drill Calculator - Evaluate Your Agility Performance

Calculate and evaluate your 3-Cone Shuttle Drill performance with our free calculator. Compare your time to NFL Combine standards by position and get instant percentile rankings.
www.topendsports.com
 
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