The Detroit Lions added new faces in the 2026 NFL Draft, but not every rookie gets early playing time. One player is already in focus, and fans are being told not to expect too much too soon.

The Lions picked two players from Michigan this year, something they had not done in a while (since 2016). Edge, Derrick Moore, and linebacker Jimmy Rolder both bring a physical style that matches what Dan Campbell wants on defense, but Efstathios Savvidis of Detroit Jock City is being realistic about the hype on the latter.

"While Rolder is a sure, downhill tackler, he must improve in coverage at the next level," Savvidis wrote on April 30. "...Given his limited experience, the Lions are jam-packed at linebacker, Rolder won’t have a key role on the defense right away."

The article shed light on Rolder's showing, where he allowed 29 receptions on 36 targets for about 250 yards. That, combined with allowing a score, wasn't too bad either.

Moore may get chances early because of changes on the edge. But $5.53M rookie Rolder steps into a packed linebacker group.

Jack Campbell and Malcolm Rodriguez are already leading, while Derrick Barnes continues to take snaps in different roles.

The 22-year-old built his game step by step in college. Rolder started on special teams before moving into a bigger defensive role. Last season, he posted 73 combined tackles, seven tackles for loss, two sacks, and one interception.

For now, Rolder’s role may begin on special teams (thanks to his experience from college) while he adjusts. While fans take that in, there is also more to understand about how Detroit handled the draft.

Lions Draft Strategy Reveals Missed Trade-Up Plans

While Detroit's seven picks are set, new details show the team explored other moves before making its final choices.

After drafting Blake Miller, general manager Brad Holmes shared that the team looked into trading up, according to a recent Detroit Free Press report.

“We did, yeah,” Holmes said. “We talked to teams up—way up—and tried to see if we could be okay with the cost. But once things started to fall, we felt good staying put.”

Reports also linked the Lions to trade talks with the Baltimore Ravens, as per a Pride of Detroit report. A deal may have been close, but it fell apart late.

Eventually, the Detroit Lions stayed at No. 17 and still got Blake Miller. Looking ahead, the team now waits to see how their draft decisions play out on the field.

Read more at the Detroit Lions Community!

Written by

Anjali Thakur

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote