Lions Trade Up for Michigan’s Derrick Moore, Because Of Course They Did
The Lions traded up in the 2026 draft again. They sent picks 50 and 128 to Aaron Glenn’s Jets for the 44th overall selection, and surprise, they used it on a Michigan guy. Derrick Moore, defensive end, Ann Arbor to Allen Park pipeline intact.
Look, we’ve seen this movie before. Local kid, motor that won’t quit, plays angry. Moore fits the Brad Holmes blueprint like a glove.
What You’re Getting With Moore
Moore’s game is built on violence and effort, which sounds about right for a Lions defense. He posted a 36% pass rush win rate that ranked near the top of his draft class. Not bad for a guy who’s still learning how to chain his moves together.
His first step is legitimately good. His initial move can win reps by itself. But he’s not some bendy speed rusher who’s going to turn the corner on pure athleticism. Moore wins by controlling the offensive lineman first, then rushing second.
Against the run, he sets a hard edge and stays disciplined in his gaps. There’s room to grow here, but he disengages from blocks well and chases down ball carriers. The effort shows up on every snap.
How He Fits in Honolulu Blue
Michigan’s defensive scheme translates well to the NFL, and Moore can rush with his hand down or standing up. That versatility gives the Lions options as they tinker with their front. He’s not going to be your SAM linebacker, but he has the range to fill similar roles if needed.
Moore was a captain at Michigan. He’s more of a quiet leader than a rah-rah guy, but teammates respect him. Brad Holmes loves that unselfish, team-first mentality.
Holmes explained the pick: “Having another body who can literally spell Hutch in that rush rotation, when you line up in nickel and sub-defense, a guy who can lineup opposite Hutchinson, a guy who can line up inside.” Translation: they needed depth behind Aidan Hutchinson and found it.
What This Means for the Roster
The Lions now have five traditional pass rushers: Hutchinson, Moore, DJ Wonnum, Payton Turner, and Ahmed Hassanein. Hutch obviously starts. Wonnum will probably get the “technical” starting nod opposite him to open camp, but don’t be shocked if Moore pushes for snaps quickly.
Turner and Hassanein are fighting for scraps at this point. Moore’s addition gives the Lions the depth they needed, but they could still look for a SAM linebacker or another pass rushing specialist on Day 3.
Dane Brugler’s take from The Beast: “Moore is a well-rounded player with a feel for what he’s doing in both the run game and as a pass rusher. I like his floor more than his ceiling, but the tools are there for him to become an NFL starter.”
An NFL scout told Lance Zierlein: “I like that he knows what he does well as a rusher and capitalizes on it.”
So there you have it. Another Michigan guy, another trade up, another player who fits the Lions‘ identity perfectly. Is this exactly what you expected Brad Holmes to do, or are you surprised he didn’t somehow find a way to draft three offensive linemen instead? Drop your take below.
I love this move, man. Moore’s got that motor and he can line up all over the place which is exactly what our defense needs right now. If he can push for snaps early and spell Hutch, we’re building something real here.
Here we go again with the Michigan guys and trading up. Look, I get it, the tape looks good but we’ve seen this before and depth signings don’t always pan out the way we hope. Let’s see if he actually makes a real impact before we get too excited.
Back in the day we used to just draft whoever we wanted in our slot and it worked out different, but I’ll tell you what, I like the idea of having options on the D-line. Moore seems like a guy who shows up and does his job without all the drama, that’s old school football right there.