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The 2026 NFL Draft closed on Saturday, and the Detroit Lions Podcast zeroed in on how Detroit finished. Day Three lacked its usual spark. Too many late picks around the NFL look unlikely to stick. That reality shaped a sharp read on what the Detroit Lions did and why.Jimmy Rolder at 118: Box thumper with work to doDetroit opened Day 3 with Michigan Wolverines linebacker Jimmy Rolder at No. 118. Jeff Risdon had him at No. 177 on his board but backed the fit. He watched Roeder live three times, including mop-up duty in the 2024 Fresno State game. The traits showed up. Roeder thrives in the box. He stacks, strafes, and drives downhill at the run. He does not shed consistently, but he sorts traffic and finds the ball. He is a fantastic form tackler. He can close on screens, blow up a bubble screen, and reach the sideline if the edge is not sealed.The flags are clear. Coverage is the biggest one. He does not always trust his eyes. He started only one year at Michigan and played a lot of vanilla zone. There is upside, but he must get off blocks better. When the defensive line wins up front, Roeder pops. When it does not, he can fade. That mirrors how Jack Campbell looks better when DJ Reader, Tyleik Williams, and Alim McNeill are rolling. Rolder walks in as direct competition and insurance for Malcolm Rodriguez, who returned on a one-year deal. He brings special teams experience. The value was a touch early, but the role makes sense in Detroit.Derek Moore at 44: Why Detroit movedDetroit traded up to 44 for Derek Moore on Friday night. The front office believed Baltimore would take him at 45. The Jesse Minter connection made that a plausible fear. That was their guy. They went and got him. The message was simple. Be aggressive. Do not sweat trade value charts. If you land the player, the move is worth it. Moore projects as a win.Keith Abney at 157: Undersized corner, heavyweight hitsArizona State defensive back Keith Abney at No. 157 was the favorite pick of the day. He reminds you of Amik Robertson. He is an undersized outside corner who hits like a safety and tackles like a safety. The question now is where the Detroit Lions envision him. Outside, inside, or a hybrid path will define his rookie impact. The tools and temperament are there.Day Three did not deliver the usual thrill. The class across the league looks thin. Still, Detroit found specific roles and leaned into identity. That is how you survive the NFL marathon.
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