Detroit Lions 2026 Player Profile: Derrick Moore

With Detroit Lions rookies set to report for training camp on July 25, it’s the perfect time to spotlight the team’s first defensive selection in the 2026 NFL Draft: edge rusher Derrick Moore.

The Lions made it clear how highly they valued Moore by trading up to the No. 44 overall pick to select him. Detroit sent picks No. 50 and No. 128 to the New York Jets to move up six spots, with the latter pick originally acquired in the trade that sent David Montgomery to the Houston Texans.

After selecting offensive tackle Blake Miller in the first round, Detroit addressed its other biggest need by adding Moore. The move gave the Lions two former University of Michigan stars at the edge position, with Moore now joining fellow Wolverine Aidan Hutchinson on the defensive line.

Moore became the first edge rusher Detroit has selected on Day 1 or Day 2 of the draft since 2022, when the team drafted Hutchinson and Josh Paschal. His physical style of play makes him an ideal fit for Kelvin Sheppard’s defense. Moore wins with power, a relentless motor and an explosive bull rush while also setting a strong edge against the run.

His production at Michigan speaks for itself.

In 2025, Moore earned an 89.9 overall Pro Football Focus grade, including a 92.4 pass-rush grade that ranked eighth nationally among edge defenders. He also posted a 76.3 run-defense grade. The previous season, he recorded a 77.1 overall grade with an 86.6 pass-rush grade.

During his final collegiate season, Moore totaled 11 sacks, 41 pressures, nine quarterback hits, two forced fumbles and three batted passes while playing just 440 defensive snaps. His 17.5% pressure rate ranked among the best in the Big Ten, and he served as one of Michigan’s team captains.

Over his college career, Moore compiled 62 solo tackles, 24.5 tackles for loss, 24.5 sacks, eight pass deflections and three forced fumbles.

At Michigan’s 2026 Pro Day, Moore measured 6-foot-3 3/8 and 257 pounds with impressive 33 7/8-inch arms, giving him the length Detroit would like to see at the position. He also recorded a 30-inch vertical jump and a 9-foot-7 broad jump. Moore did not participate in the 40-yard dash or agility drills as he continued recovering from a hamstring injury.

Despite not posting elite testing numbers, Moore’s tape consistently shows a player with excellent burst off the snap and surprising quickness for his size.

ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller praised the fit, saying, “Derrick Moore’s first-step quickness opposite Aidan Hutchinson will play really well. Let him cook in space.”

Moore enters training camp expected to compete with veteran DJ Wonnum for the starting edge position opposite Hutchinson. While I don’t expect him to open Week 1 as the starter, I believe he’ll push for the job early in the season and could earn the role by Weeks 4 or 5.

Detroit has the luxury of bringing Moore along gradually rather than asking him to carry a heavy workload immediately. That should allow him to adjust to the speed and physicality of the NFL while continuing to develop his pass-rush arsenal.

2026 Projection: 4.5 sacks, multiple impact plays and a starting role by the middle of the season. If Moore exceeds those numbers as a rookie, it would be an outstanding season debut and another sign that Detroit found its long-term running mate for Hutchinson.