Derrick Moore good fit, but did Lions GM Brad Holmes need to trade up?
TL;DR
The Detroit Lions traded up six spots to select Michigan defensive end Derrick Moore with the No. 44 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. While many believe Moore is a strong fit for the team, some question whether the trade was necessary, given that a fourth-round pick was given up.
Key points
- Lions traded up six spots to select Derrick Moore
- Moore is a defensive end from Michigan
- He recorded 10 sacks in his final college season
- The trade involved giving up a fourth-round pick
- Reactions to the pick are mixed among analysts and fans
The Detroit Lions didn't have to look far to find their second-round pick. Lions general manager Brad Holmes traded up six spots in the second round to select Michigan footballdefensive end Derrick Moore with the No. 44 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Moore is a physical edge rusher who appeared in 53 games over four years at Michigan and helped the Wolverines win the College Football Playoff title in 2023. In his final season, Moore finished with 10 sacks and 10½ tackles for loss. **CARLOS MONARREZ:** Detroit Lions instant grade for picking Michigan DE Derrick Moore The addition of Moore fills a huge need for the Lions after Al-Quadin Muhammad, the team's second-best pass rusher last year with 11 sacks, left in free agency for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. While the consensus seems to be Moore will be a good player and is a natural fit in Detroit, some online wondered if the Lions may have taken him a little early, especially since they gave up a fourth-round pick to make the selection. Here are the best reactions online to the Lions drafting Derrick Moore:
.@TampaBayTre was shocked the Lions took Derrick Moore at no. 44 🫣 pic.twitter.com/E8q3T6S8lx
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) April 25, 2026 of note on the trade: Detroit jumped Baltimore and Jesse Minter, who was Moore's DC at Michigan
— Nick Baumgardner (@nickbaumgardner) April 24, 2026 Like the Lions grabbing Michigan’s Derrick Moore. Coaches I spoke to love his style and toughness: “He’s a Jonah Elliss type. So physical. He wants all the smoke. He can be a SAM backer in a 3-4. In a 4-3, he’ll set edges and will bang heads all day.”
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) April 24, 2026 Derrick Moore's first-step quicks opposite Aidan Hutchinson will play really well. 10 sacks, 10 TFLs last year. Let him cook in space.
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) April 24, 2026 New @Lions EDGE Derrick Moore. Watch the final-step closing speed to the quarterback after he uses all his speed-to-power stuff. pic.twitter.com/9tDcJLsbVp
— Doug Farrar ✍ (@NFL\_DougFarrar) April 24, 2026 *This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Derrick Moore to Detroit Lions reactions: A good move by Holmes?*
Q&A
Why did the Detroit Lions trade up to select Derrick Moore?
The Lions traded up to secure Derrick Moore, addressing a significant need for a pass rusher after Al-Quadin Muhammad left for the Buccaneers.
What were Derrick Moore's college statistics at Michigan?
Derrick Moore recorded 10 sacks and 10½ tackles for loss in his final season at Michigan, contributing to the team's College Football Playoff title in 2023.
What are the reactions to the Lions drafting Derrick Moore?
Reactions are mixed; while many analysts praise Moore's fit and potential, some fans are surprised by the early selection and the cost of a fourth-round pick.
