Where you land matters. When it came to former Michigan Wolverines star edge rusher Derrick Moore, he could not be happier. He ended up being the Detroit Lions' second-round pick at No. 44 overall last Friday night in the 2026 NFL Draft. While Lions fans are going to love Moore's playing style and his unselfish nature, Michigan fans should be excited about what this one Lions expert had to say.
Here is what Candace Pedraza of SideLion Report had to relay about the Moore pick of the Lions...
"The Detroit Lions got what they needed in the second round by drafting Derrick Moore. The Michigan product should fit well in the Lions' defense, which is a 4-3, and will have time to develop behind Aidan Hutchinson and D.J. Wonnum. The Lions were sorely lacking a consistent pass rusher who could take some double-teams off of Hutchinson's plate, and Moore could fit that bill. Moore could improve as a run-defender, although the Lions entering the 2026 season with a healthier defensive front will take the pressure off Moore to be immediately impactful in that area."
Pedraza likes the fact that Moore could grow and learn behind Aidan Hutchinson and DJ Wonnum within the context of the Lions' pass rush. The hope is that he can one day take some of the pressure that is regular pressed upon the former Michigan star Hutchinson in terms of getting after the opposing quarterback. The Lions had a draft that was all over the place, but this pick makes sense.
What kind of impact should Michigan fans expect out of Moore during his rookie season with Detroit?
Derrick Moore went to the perfect situation for himself in Detroit Lions
In addition to learning the ropes from Hutchinson and Wonnum, Moore gets to be part of the same organization that employs Brad Holmes as general manager, Dan Campbell as head coach, and Kelvin Sheppard as defensive coordinator. Holmes rarely misses with his draft picks. Campbell is a cult of personality as a program definer. Sheppard is looking to grow in his second year in this elevated role.
Right now, Moore to the Lions is arguably the one pick that Detroit fans can get the most excited about after last weekend's draft. Taking Blake Miller out of Clemson to solve their offenisve tackle issues felt like a bit of a reach. Add in Clemson's poor history at developing offensive linemen, and this could prove problematic for the Lions. The good news is Moore fits Detroit like a hand in glove.
Overall, this is the time of the year where everybody is so over the moon about their draft picks. Yes, there are some teams out there like the Jacksonville Jaguars who had one of their worst drafts in ages. For now, there is optimism in the air all over the state of Michigan when it comes to football. The Lions could get back to the postseason, while Michigan may potentially return to the playoff this year.
If Moore can play up to his potential, he has a chance of being a star on a really good team in the NFL.
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