Michigan Wolverine Derrick Moore Already Chasing Aidan Hutchinson’s Ghost
Some guys talk about taking the next step. Others show up already pissed they haven’t taken it yet. Detroit Lions second-round pick Derrick Moore falls squarely into that second category, and honestly? That’s exactly what this pass rush needs.
Moore missed Hutchinson at Michigan by just one year, but he spent his entire college career chasing Hutch’s shadow. Specifically, he was gunning for Hutchinson’s single-season program record of 14.0 sacks. “Yeah, that was definitely one of my goals, trying to get to that single-year sack (record),” Moore told DetroitLions.com. “Unfortunately, I finished with 10.”
Unfortunately? Kid, 10 sacks is a hell of a season. But here’s the thing that should get Lions fans excited about this pick: Moore put up those 10 sacks in just 440 total snaps. Hutchinson’s record-setting 2021 season? He played 794 snaps. Moore was getting to the quarterback at nearly the same rate while playing 44% fewer snaps.
The Chip Block Effect is Real
Now Moore gets to line up next to the guy whose record he was chasing, and that might be the best thing that could happen to his development. Hutchinson drew chip blocks on 22.2% of his pass rushes last season, the third-highest rate in the NFL. That’s a lot of extra attention that won’t be going toward the rookie.
Moore gets it. “Even being across from him now, I’m just trying to compete with him at the same time, because now it’s like, ‘Alright, who is going to be the fastest to get to the quarterback?'” he said.
That competitive fire mixed with one-on-one opportunities? Brad Holmes might have found something here.
A Pass Rush That Desperately Needs Help
Let’s be honest about where this defense stands. The Lions finished 30th in time to pressure last season. Thirtieth. That’s not getting it done, and everyone in Allen Park knows it.
Moore brings the kind of mentality this unit needs. “To be a part of this defensive unit with him, I’m looking forward to learning a lot from him, grow with him, and also dominate with him,” he said.
Dominate. Not contribute. Not develop. Dominate. That’s the kind of talk you want to hear from a second-round pick who’s already proven he can get to the quarterback at an elite level.
They’ll get their first look at this pairing during organized team activities later this week. No pads yet, but it’s a start. And if Moore’s track record of chasing Hutchinson’s benchmarks means anything, he’s not planning to ease into this thing.
Think this kid has what it takes to turn our pass rush from embarrassing to elite, or are we setting ourselves up for another year of watching quarterbacks eat lunch in the pocket? Drop your take below.
