4 under-the-radar linebackers the Detroit Lions can take later in the 2026 NFL Draft and win big with
If the Lions wait on linebacker in the 2026 NFL Draft, they can still find some really good players on Day three. Including two Michigan Wolveines
We know that the Detroit Lions love to go value shopping and that while they’ll probably get some really good players higher in the 2026 NFL Draft, they’ll still want to find some good guys later.
With the trenches likely to be the thing, the Lions’ focus on early, the linebacker spot might get put on the back burner a little bit. But don’t worry, there are still some guys that the Lions can get later in the draft at the position who can make some noise for them. Here are four of them:
Jimmy Rolder, LB, Michigan
The Lions have recently had a top-30 visit with Rolder, and when you see what he did at Michigan, you understand why. He could realistically come in and play Alex Anzalone’s old Will linebacker spot right away. Rolder is good in coverage, can rush the pass, and has possibly the best instincts of any linebacker in the draft. The guy sniffs out the ball and makes things happen.
But because he’s only a one-year starter at Michigan, he’s projected to go in the fourth or fifth round because the sample size is too small for him to go earlier.
Taurean York, LB, Texas A&M
The Lions had a formal meeting at the Combine with York, and he’s similar to Rolder in the sense that he can play that weak-side linebacker role. He has great instincts and anticipation that help him overachieve despite not being the most athletic linebacker you’ve ever seen. York is expected to go into the sixth or seventh round.
Harold Perkins, LB, LSU
Now here’s a guy who is for sure athletic. Perkins is a guy who can cover the field with his speed and can make some plays. The only thing about him is that people just don’t know what kind of linebacker he can be in the NFL. He played the Will at LSU, but you’d have to wonder if he can play the Sam linebacker. He’s shown the ability to set the edge and pass rush. The coverage is a little weak, though.
Jaishawn Barham, Edge, Michigan
Now, while it does say edge by Barham’s name, he’s likely to become a Sam linebacker in the NFL. The Lions would be the best place for him to take that job because they have a spot presumably open if they move Derrick Barnes to the Will. Barham has the speed and athleticism needed to set the edge, pass rush, and drop in coverage.
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