At the Pre-Draft Media session this past week, Brad Holmes was asked how many offensive tackles he viewed as Day 1 starters. Acknowledging that, regardless of the Draft round, there will be a transition period from college to the NFL, he stated, “I think any time you’re dealing with a rookie, I don’t care where you’re drafting at, you’re going to have to be prepared for a little bit of a growth period. It’s hard to say. Some guys may be a little bit more ready, but you just never know. I can’t really give you a good answer on that one in terms of day one right now because any time you draft a rookie, you have to be prepared for some development and growth period.”

Holmes is a genius at spotting underrated talent and patient with developmental prospects. Here are three late-round prospects the Lions are reportedly considering. Two of the prospects have had Top 30 visits with Detroit. In addition to the Lions connection, all three prospects already have ties to Michigan. 

Three Late Round Prospects With Ties To The Detroit Lions

On Thursday, March 19th, the Detroit Lions attended the Michigan State University Pro Day. 

Matt Gulbin. Michigan State University, Center

One of the main attractions participating in the event was MSU’s standout center, Matt Gulbin. The 6’4” 305 lb. center is projected to be a late Day 2-Day 3 prospect. Beginning his collegiate career as an interior lineman at Wake Forest, Gulbin made his biggest impact at MSU when the Spartans moved him to starting center in 2025.  The transition proved seamless. Gulbin repeatedly earned praise from the coaching staff for his calm, steadying influence on MSU’s offensive line.

Voted team captain and named to the Rimington Trophy Watch List, Gulbin earned honorable All-Big Ten honors. He finished the season with an overall PFF grade of 82.1, a run-blocking grade of 80.3 (first in the FBS), and a pass-blocking grade of 87.2 (seventh in the FBS).

However, Gulbin’s limited experience playing center and his relatively short 31 3/4” arms are a weakness. Nonetheless, his solid anchor, consistent level of play, and high football IQ suggest a later-round “developmental” prospect with a very high ceiling. His previous two years of experience playing left and right guard at Wake Forest make him an attractive interior line option. With Cade Mays as the Lions’ starting center, Gulbin could be an asset as a rotational lineman. He might become the Lions’ center in the future, but Gulbin will have the opportunity to develop over time.

Player comparison: Luke Fortner

Pride Of Detroit believes his positional versatility, coupled with his role as a 2025 team captain, makes Gulbin a valuable prospect for Detroit.

Jimmy Rolder, Michigan, Linebacker

Illinois native Jimmy Rolder is another prospect with local connections. A 4-star recruit, he committed to Michigan in 2022, playing linebacker and on special teams. Rolder’s dual role impact was immediate. Recognized as the Defensive Freshman of the Game for three games that year, he was also a co-recipient of the Special Teams Freshman of the Year award 


In 2025, as the starting linebacker, Rolder had a breakout campaign, leading the Wolverines defense with 73 tackles, seven TFLs, 2.0 sacks, three PBUs, one interception, and one fumble recovery. He earned a reputation for rising to the occasion in crucial game situations. Named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week, Rolder posted 10 tackles, 2 TFLs, 1.0 sack, and a fumble recovery against rival Michigan State University. Against Ohio State, he recorded a career-high 12 tackles. Rolder was a five-time Defensive Player of the Week and the recipient of the Roger Zatkoff Award.

2026 NFL Combine 

At the Combine, the 6’2.5,” 240 lb. Rolder improved his Draft capital, placing 2nd in the 20-yard shuttle with a time of 4.26, and 3rd in the three-cone drill with a time of 7.00. His performance included a 36” vertical jump and a 9’11” broad jump that, according to 247Sports, placed in the 94.9th percentile.

The biggest concern against Rolder is his limited starting experience. However,  NFL Analyst Lance Zierlein concluded, “If you trust the tape and ignore his lack of experience, Rolder profiles as a future starting inside linebacker.

Player comparison: Henry To’oTo’o and Fred Warner

Rolder’s experience on special teams makes him an attractive option for the Lions.  


Nadame Tucker, EDGE, Western Michigan 

Coming from the MAC and as one of the older prospects in the draft, Nadame Tucker may get overlooked. However, the 2025 MAC Defensive Player of the Year had the 6th highest Combine Production score in his class.   

At 6’2″ 247 lbs., Tucker grew up playing basketball and didn’t even play football until he was a high school senior. However, he became a quick study. Tucker began his collegiate football career at Independence Community College, where he recorded 34 tackles, 5.0 sacks, an interception, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery in his first two seasons.  Moving from community college to the FBS, he spent one season playing for Houston. By the time he transferred to Western Michigan for his final season of eligibility, he had amassed a record of  94 tackles and 17.0 sacks.

At WMU, he had a breakout year with 55 tackles, 21 TFLs, 14.5 sacks, one PBU, and four forced fumbles. He led the nation with his 21 TFLs and matched David Bailey’s record of 14.5 sacks. WMU won the MAC Championship.  Tucker won the Vern Smith Leadership Award as the conference’s MVP and was the only member of the conference invited to the Senior Bowl. He dominated with five tackles, 2.0 sacks, three TFLs, and a forced fumble. Tucker’s 4th quarter strip sack was the play of the afternoon.

Tucker’s biggest criticism is his age (almost 26) and his lack of starting experience. However, he has shown tremendous growth from year to year, making the most of every opportunity. His 18.5% missed tackle rate and slender frame are liabilities.  He does not project as an every-down prospect.  

Player comparison: James Houston and Genard Avery

However, NFL Draft Buzz concluded, “A team drafting Tucker needs to be patient, willing to add weight to his frame without killing his speed, and committed to coaching up the run defense and counter moves that are currently missing from his toolbox. If the rush translates, he could become a steal.” 

Holmes could see him as a player who fits  Detroit’s defensive scheme and becomes a late-round steal.