Michigan Football: 3 freshmen who can start right away in 2022

3. Derrick Moore

Edge rusher is Michigan football’s biggest need going into the 2022 season following the departures of Aidan Hutchinson and David Ojabo — both of whom are expected to be early first-round picks in the NFL draft.

Hutchinson and Ojabo were a force off the edge and Michigan is going to need to fill those roles this season. Taylor Upshaw is one natural candidate. He’s been solid throughout his career but never spectacular.

Mike Morris could see more time on the edge, as well as Braiden McGregor, T.J. Guy, and others who have been waiting their turn.

But one name that can’t be ruled out is Derrick Moore, the top-100 freshman who’s one of the best edge rushers in the entire 2022 recruiting class.

Moore is ranked 49th overall according to the 247 sports composite rankings and he put together a huge showing at the Under Armour All-American Game winning the MVP.

It’s typically hard for freshmen to come in and start right away on the defensive line as a three-down player but Moore wouldn’t have to. Ojabo didn’t last year. He played a lot but was a much better pass rusher than a run defender and never played all three downs like Hutch.

Moore could play that role this season for Michigan football and while it will be more difficult since he didn’t enroll early, he’s a clear answer to Michigan’s pass rush question if the coaching staff can get him up to speed quickly in fall camp.