Detroit Lions trade up to take Michigan DE Derrick Moore with No. 44 pick in 2026 NFL Draft
TL;DR
The Detroit Lions traded up to select Michigan DE Derrick Moore with the 44th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. They moved up six spots by trading their 50th and 128th picks to the New York Jets.
Key points
- Detroit Lions traded up six spots in the 2026 NFL Draft
- Selected Michigan DE Derrick Moore with the 44th pick
- Traded second-round pick No. 50 and Pick No. 128 to New York Jets
- Moore joins a defense that ranked 18th in total defense last season
- He will play alongside Aidan Hutchinson
For the fifth time in his six drafts as Detroit Lions general manager, Brad Holmes has made a trade in the second round.
With their offensive line set, the Detroit Lions opened Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft by focusing on defense, selecting Michigan defensive end Derrick Moore with the 44th overall pick of the draft in the second round.
The Lions moved up six spots in the 2026 NFL draft Friday, April 24, sending their second-round pick – No. 50 overall – as well as Pick No. 128 to the New York Jets for Pick No. 44.
Moore joins a defense that ranked 18th in total defense and 22nd in points allowed last season. He will rush opposite his fellow Michigan alum, Aidan Hutchinson.
THE LATEST: Detroit Lions NFL Draft Day 2 live updates, rumors, pick tracker
The Lions opened the draft by taking Clemson offensive tackle Blake Miller with the 17th pick of the first round. Miller is expected to compete for the starting right tackle job this fall on a line that could have new starters in four different positions.
All-Pro right tackle Penei Sewell is expected to move to the left side, free agent addition Cade Mays takes over at center, Miller will compete with Larry Borom for the right tackle job and while the Lions return starting guards Tate Ratledge and Christian Mahogany they could have an open competition for the left guard spot.
The Lions do not have a third-round pick but have seven picks remaining on Day 3 of the draft: Two in Rounds 4, 5 and 6 and one in Round 7.
Dave Birkett covers the Lions for the Detroit Free Press. Contact him atdbirkett@freepress.com. Follow him onBluesky,XandInstagramat @davebirkett.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Lions trade up, take DE Derrick Moore at No. 44 on Day 2 of 2026 NFL Draft
Q&A
Why did the Detroit Lions trade up for Derrick Moore in the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Lions aimed to strengthen their defense, which ranked 18th in total defense last season, by selecting Moore.
What did the Detroit Lions give up to trade for the 44th pick?
The Lions traded their second-round pick, No. 50 overall, and Pick No. 128 to the New York Jets to move up to No. 44.
Who will Derrick Moore be playing alongside on the Detroit Lions defense?
Derrick Moore will rush opposite fellow Michigan alum Aidan Hutchinson on the Lions' defense.
