Lions trade up to No. 44 in second round, draft Michigan edge Derrick Moore
Allen Park — For once, the Detroit Lions are following the expected blueprint in the early rounds of the NFL draft.
After filling a glaring long-term need at offensive tackle in the first round, the team addressed a longstanding need for an edge opposite Aidan Hutchinson, trading up six spots to snag Michigan’s Derrick Moore.
Moore, who measured 6-foot-4, 255 pounds at the scouting combine in late February, experienced a breakout season as a senior in 2025, recording 10.0 sacks and 41 quarterback pressures for the Wolverines.
To be able to grab Moore with the No. 44 selection, the Lions had to surrender their original second-round choice, No. 50, as well as No. 128 in the fourth round to the New York Jets.
Moore will be expected to pair with free-agent addition DJ Wonnum opposite Hutchinson, while also potentially helping reduce some of the All-Pro’s heavy workload.
Here are what some of the top national analysts wrote in their scouting reports about Moore.
Dane Brugler, The Athletic
“With his size and traits, Moore has been gradually ascending over the past four seasons. As a pass rusher, he gains ground quickly out of his stance, with the momentum and length to be effective converting speed to power. He understands when to counter in his rush but has some tightness turning the arc and needs to patch together a better overall rush plan (aside from his power profile). He is unselfish as an edge-setting presence to keep the ball contained, although I’d like to see him be more of a playmaker in the run game.”
Todd McShay, The Ringer
“Moore shares a lot of similarities with Seahawks edge Derick Hall, a former second-round selections. Both are power-based pass rushers with adequate height but thick builds and long arms to help get into offensive linemans’ pads and bull-rush them back into the pocket. Like Hall, Moore grades out as a starting edge (or as a player who will be used in a heavy rotation) in a four-man front and should blossom into an impact player.
Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
“Edge prospect with good size and length. Moore is far more active and engaged as a rusher than he is as a run defender. He has the ability to set firm edges, but his approach against the run can lack urgency. Against the pass, Moore is a bull-rush aficionado, piling up pressures and sacks. He’s strong through the top of the rush but needs to prove he can consistently stress long, well-anchored tackles. When it’s time to finish, he tackles with reliable technique and timing. If Moore cranks up the fire on all three downs, he can become a good full-time player. Either way, he projects as a starter capable of racking up pressures.”