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The 2026 NFL Draft saw Michigan prospects Derrick Moore, Jaishawn Barham, and Jimmy Rolder secure promising positions with the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys. Moore and Rolder will join the Lions, while Barham heads to the Cowboys, all with opportunities for early playing time.
Outside of Aidan Hutchinson, the Lions pass rush hasnât been anything to write home about over the last couple seasons. Now, the team will look to add a boost with Derrick Moore, whoâll be making the short drive over to Detroit to start his NFL career. Moore broke out in 2025 with the ten sacks, including six in the span of three games. Thatâs the type of production the Lions could really use. Because of how slim the Lions roster was with pass-rushers, Moore actually has the chance to compete for a starting role right out of the gate. Thatâs not all that uncommon for a second-round pick, but usually is at a premium position like defensive end. He might not have been one of the big names at the top of the draft at his position, but the chance to start right away and the fact that his best football is still likely ahead of him means that he could become a name known league-wide in short order.
Derrick Moore, Jaishawn Barham, and Jimmy Rolder were the Michigan prospects drafted in 2026.
Derrick Moore and Jimmy Rolder both joined the Detroit Lions in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Jaishawn Barham was selected in the third round, 92nd overall, by the Dallas Cowboys.
Derrick Moore had a breakout season in 2025, recording ten sacks, including six in three games.
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Barham was one of the more interesting players on Michiganâs defense in 2025 and it translated into him becoming something of an interesting draft prospect as well. After being exclusively an off-ball linebacker for the first three years of his career, Barham saw a healthy amount of snaps as a pass-rusher on the edge in 2026 â an area where he excelled right away. Now, the Cowboys might be in position to utilize his versatility as well. The Dallas defense is currently in a position where it has good starting options both off the edge (Rashan Gary and Donovan Ezeiruaku) and off-ball (DeMarvion Overshown and Dee Winters), but donât have much depth at either position. That means that Barham will still likely get the chance to play early and often at both positions, much like Moore, positioning him to become a more well-known player around the league.
Yet another Wolverine sticking close to home, as linebacker Jimmy Rolder will join Derrick Moore on the Detroit defense. Rolder burst onto the scene for the Michigan defense in 2025 after only getting spot snaps throughout his first three years with the program. It was perhaps a surprise to seen him taken in the fourth round, but Lions might not think theyâre reaching for him if theyâre able to help keep him on his upward trajectory. The Lions should be optimistic that they can continue to squeeze juice out of Rolderâs game, as theyâve found success drafting linebackers in this range over the past few years, with Derrick Barnes and Malcolm Rodriguez being examples. Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard was responsible for helping those two â especially Barnes, reach their potential and can now try to help Rolder take a similar jump. Rolder likely wonât have the same chance to compete for playing time right away as Moore will with the Lions, but donât be surprised to see him on the field in some capacity as a rookie.