The Detroit Lions may have finally found the help they needed for Aidan Hutchinson.
The former 2022 first-round pick has been a star for the Lions, but the team has struggled to find consistent pass-rushing production opposite Hutchinson. Though they have tried through the draft and free agency to find a competent counterpart to Hutchinson, the Lions fell short and have not landed a long-term answer.
But their selection of Michigan outside linebacker Derrick Moore is earning some praise, and predictions that he could be the help Hutchinson has been needing.
Lions Earn Praise for Derrick Moore Pick
SI.com’s Matt Verderame gave grades to all second-round picks, giving the Lions a solid “B” for picking Moore at No. 44. While the grade may be middle-of-the-road, Verderame’s assessment of Moore gave strong hope to Hutchinson.
“The Lions have desperately needed some young talent to pair with defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, and Detroit is hoping it has found the answer,” Verderame wrote. “Like Hutchinson, Moore is a former Wolverine who can turn the corner and give defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard an answer if Hutchinson is double-teamed.”
Verderame added that Moore has a good resume before making the interstate trip to Detroit.
“Moore spent all four of his collegiate seasons at Michigan, winning a national championship in 2023,” Verderame wrote. “Moore started three years, amassing 19 sacks. At 6′ 4″ and 255 pounds, Moore is the perfect size for a sturdy edge rusher who needs to work on his technique against the run.”
Derrick Moore Ready to Play With Aidan Hutchinson
Moore said he was excited at the idea of lining up opposite Hutchinson, who was an inspiration for him during his time at Michigan.
“Oh man, I’m going to be honest with you, that was one right there that I’m definitely excited about to play with Hutch,” Moore said, via the Detroit Free Press. “I watched Hutch my whole entire freshman year, even my sophomore year. I just, everything was pretty much dedicated to trying to break his sack record and I wasn’t able to do it but I got close. But I’m definitely excited to be playing next to Hutch and hopefully I can learn a lot from him and just we can go out and just cause a lot of havoc.”
Hutchinson also approved of the pick, taking to social media to share his excitement about playing with his fellow Michigan alum.
“LFG!! Another Mich Man in the building.. love the pick,” Hutchinson shared in a post on X after the selection.
The Lions could need some immediate contributions from Moore, especially given the departure of defensive lineman Al-Quadain Muhammad in free agency. He was the team’s most productive edge rusher in many seasons, racking up 10.5 sacks in 2025.
The Lions are also looking for a rapid rebuild after falling to 9-8 last season, missing the playoffs for the first time in three years. The team’s defense faltered at times, and has generally struggled to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks when Hutchinson has been out of the lineup. Moore could create difficulty for opposing defenses, who could face a tougher decision in double-teaming Hutchinson.
Lions Get Strong Aidan Hutchinson Message Amid NFL Draft