Jimmy Rolder Draft Grade | Round 4, Pick 18 | FanVerdicts

D-

Bottom 12%Pick Grade

Pick Context

Market Value

Significant Reach

Position

LB · Value Position

Decision Grade reflects market consensus at the moment of the pick. Teams often have private information the consensus does not.

Scouting Report

Big Board Rank: #203 · Day 3 Sleeper

Jimmy Rolder emerged as a reliable off-ball linebacker during his three-year tenure at Michigan, developing from a special teams contributor into a key defensive rotation player. The former three-star recruit from Ohio carved out his niche as a steady, instinctive middle linebacker who excels in run fits and short-area coverage but lacks the elite athleticism to be a three-down player at the next level. Rolder's football IQ and leadership qualities impressed coaches, serving as a defensive captain in 2025, but his limited range in coverage and marginal pass-rush ability project him as a backup linebacker and core special teams contributor in the NFL. His best trait is his ability to diagnose plays quickly and attack downhill, though he struggles when forced to cover ground laterally or match up with dynamic receiving threats.

Strengths

+Exceptional pre-snap recognition allows him to identify formation strengths and communicate adjustments to teammates, showing advanced understanding of offensive concepts.

+Attacks run fits aggressively with proper leverage and gap integrity, consistently funneling ball carriers to help defenders and limiting explosive plays.

+Displays reliable hands in coverage with three interceptions over two seasons, showing ability to capitalize when quarterbacks test him in short zones.

+Demonstrates excellent tackling technique in confined spaces, wrapping up ball carriers with proper fundamentals and rarely missing in traffic.

+Shows natural leadership qualities as a vocal communicator who commands respect from teammates and maintains composure under pressure.

+Excels as a core special teams contributor with multiple blocked punts and strong coverage ability, providing immediate value on four units.

+Processes play-action and misdirection concepts well, maintaining discipline and not biting on fakes that fool other defenders.

+Exhibits strong work ethic and preparation habits that earned praise from coaching staff for his film study and meeting room contributions.

+Possesses adequate strength to shed blocks from tight ends and fullbacks in short-yardage situations, holding his ground at the point of attack.

+Displays good anticipation in zone coverage, jumping underneath routes and disrupting timing between quarterback and receiver.

+Shows versatility to play both middle and weak-side linebacker positions within Michigan's defensive scheme, adapting to different responsibilities.

NFL Comparison: Joe Schobert

Fan voting will be available once grades are published.

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Jimmy Rolder

Pick Context

Scouting Report

Strengths

Fan Discussion

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Weaknesses