Mel Kiper's Favorite Linebacker Prospect is Perfect Fit for Dallas Cowboys' Defense

ESPN analyst believes Michigan's Jimmy Rolder would be a steal for the Cowboys in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 4:08pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a football player in mid-tackle, their body and movements broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color, conveying the raw energy and athleticism of the sport.A cubist interpretation of a linebacker's explosive impact on the field, reflecting the versatility and playmaking ability Mel Kiper sees in his top 2026 draft prospect.Dallas Today

The Dallas Cowboys have a void at linebacker after failed trades for Kenneth Murray and Logan Wilson last year. ESPN's Mel Kiper believes Michigan's Jimmy Rolder, his favorite linebacker prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft, would be a perfect fit for the Cowboys' defense if they wait until Day 3 to address the position.

Why it matters

The Cowboys struggled against the run and pass last season, finishing bottom-10 against the run and having the league's worst pass defense. Adding a versatile linebacker like Rolder, who can rush the passer, play the run, and drop into coverage, could help shore up those defensive weaknesses.

The details

Kiper praised Rolder's football IQ, diagnose skills, and burst to close on the quarterback as a blitzer. The 6-foot-3, 238-pound linebacker also has experience wearing the green dot and is strong against the run, earning an 80.1 PFF grade in that area last season.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April.

The players

Jimmy Rolder

A linebacker prospect from the University of Michigan who Mel Kiper believes would be a steal for the Dallas Cowboys in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Kenneth Murray

A linebacker the Cowboys traded for last year, but the trade failed and Murray remains a free agent.

Logan Wilson

Another linebacker the Cowboys traded for last year, but Wilson decided to retire after the season.

DeMarvion Overshown

The Cowboys' current starting linebacker, who will need a new partner after the departures of Murray and Wilson.

Sonny Styles

An elite linebacker prospect the Cowboys could target earlier in the draft, if available.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“He has versatility and the speed to close on the QB as a blitzer. But I have him graded as an off-ball linebacker, where the 6-foot-3, 238-pounder jumps off the screen.”

— Mel Kiper, ESPN Analyst

“Rolder has the football IQ, diagnose skills and burst to drop in coverage, and he wraps up as a tackler.”

— Mel Kiper, ESPN Analyst

“Rolder will be a steal in the early parts of Day 3”

— Mel Kiper, ESPN Analyst

What’s next

The Cowboys will have the opportunity to address their linebacker needs in the 2026 NFL Draft, which is scheduled for April.

The takeaway

The Cowboys' defense struggled mightily last season, and adding a versatile linebacker like Jimmy Rolder, who Mel Kiper believes would be a steal in the early parts of Day 3, could help shore up those weaknesses and provide a perfect fit for their defensive scheme.