Day 2 Edge pick confirmed and scouting report

Derrick Moore is a 6′4″, 255‑pound edge rusher from the University of Michigan, drafted 44th overall by the Detroit Lions in 2026. A four‑star recruit from Baltimore’s St. Frances Academy, Moore developed into one of college football’s most explosive pass‑rushers, combining elite burst, power, and discipline — traits that fit perfectly into Detroit’s trench‑driven identity.

 Background and Career at Michigan

Moore arrived in Ann Arbor in 2022 as a consensus top‑100 prospect and Under Armour All‑American MVP. He played rotational snaps as a true freshman, recording 2 sacks. His sophomore year coincided with Michigan’s national‑championship run, where he posted 34 tackles, 6 TFLs, 5 sacks, and 2 pass breakups. By 2024 he became a full‑time starter, adding 23 tackles, 6 TFLs, 4 sacks, and 2 PBUs.

The 2025 season was his breakout: 30 tackles, 10 sacks, 10.5 TFLs, 3 PBUs, and 2 forced fumbles, earning First‑Team All‑Big Ten and Michigan’s Bo Schembechler MVP award. Over 53 career games, he totaled 95 tackles, 23 TFLs, 21 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles.

 Physical Profile and Athletic Traits

At 6′4″ and 255 lbs with 33⅜‑inch arms, Moore’s frame is ideal for a 4‑3 defensive end. His 4.65‑second 40‑yard dash, 30‑inch vertical, and 115‑inch broad jump demonstrate rare acceleration and lower‑body explosiveness. His Relative Athletic Score (RAS) ranks near the 90th percentile among edge defenders.

Moore’s first‑step quickness is his calling card — he fires off the ball with urgency, forcing tackles to open their hips early. He converts speed to power seamlessly, using a long‑arm bull rush and inside rip move to collapse pockets. His motor never stops; even when initially blocked, he re‑centers and chases plays downfield.

 Technical Evaluation

Pass Rush: Moore’s 92.4 PFF pass‑rush grade (8th of 852 edge defenders) reflects elite production. He generated 41 pressures and 11 sacks on ≈ 220 rush snaps — an 18.5 % pressure win rate comparable to Dallas Turner and Jared Verse. His explosiveness and hand placement create instant angles, and his speed‑to‑power transitions are NFL‑ready.

Run Defense: With a 76.3 PFF grade, Moore sets a disciplined edge but can play high against double‑teams. He anchors well vs tight ends and maintains gap integrity on zone runs, though his pad level and hand violence must improve to consistently shed blocks.

Versatility: Michigan used him both standing up and with a hand in the dirt. He can drop into coverage in spot zones and execute stunts or twists without losing contain. His football IQ and film study habits earned him captain status as a senior.

 Strengths

First‑Step Explosion: Creates instant pressure angles; elite get‑off forces tackles to over‑set.
Speed‑to‑Power Conversion: Drives through contact with excellent pad level and leg drive.
Hand Usage: Active and violent; uses rips, swims, and long‑arm techniques to disengage.
Motor and Effort: Plays through the whistle; chases screens and scrambles.
Scheme Versatility: Comfortable in multiple fronts and alignments.

 Areas for Improvement

Counter Moves: Relies heavily on initial power; needs a more consistent secondary plan.
Pad Level vs Run: Can play too upright and lose leverage on inside zones.
Timing in Two‑Point Stance: Occasionally bouncy off the snap, reducing launch power.
Hand Violence: Must keep hands active to avoid being contained by tackles.

 Fit with the Detroit Lions

Detroit traded up from Pick 50 and 128 to 44 to secure Moore — a move that embodies Dan Campbell’s “grit and trench dominance” philosophy. Paired with Aidan Hutchinson, Moore forms a Michigan‑bred edge duo built on explosiveness and motor. His power profile complements Hutchinson’s technical precision, giving Detroit a rotational pair capable of collapsing pockets from both sides.

Expect Moore to start as a Day 1 rotational defender in Aaron Glenn’s 4‑3 front, with potential to earn full‑time starter status by mid‑season. His durability (440 snaps in 2025 without injury) and high‑motor style fit Detroit’s culture perfectly.

 Projection and Ceiling

Moore’s NFL projection is a high‑floor rotational starter with Pro Bowl upside. His blend of burst (9.3/10), power (8.2/10), and motor (7.7/10) rates among the top edge defenders in the 2026 class. If he develops a consistent counter arsenal and improves run‑fit discipline, he could become a double‑digit sack producer within two seasons.

Scouts compare him to Princely Umanmielen (Ole Miss) and K.J. Henry (Clemson) for his compact power and explosive get‑off. His ceiling mirrors players like Josh Sweat or Sam Williams — athletic rushers who developed into consistent NFL starters.