Brad Holmes finally listened to years of begging, and the Detroit Lions selected an edge early in the 2026 NFL draft in Michigan standout Derrick Moore with their traded up, No. 44 overall pick.
While the Lions could have drafted an edge even higher, considering that it’s such a seemingly low priority to Holmes, snagging someone at No. 44 feels like a victory. What makes this pick so much sweeter is that the the Lions went with a Michigan product, just like they did with edge Aidan Hutchinson.
Having two edge rushers from Michigan on the Lions’ squad just feels right. There’s a built-in connection with the fanbase, especially for those who’ve watched the Wolverines dominate on Saturdays before making the jump to Sundays. It adds a little extra pride knowing local talent is going after quarterbacks in Detroit.
Also, Hutchinson and Moore’s familiarity and shared background could help their chemistry on the field. If Moore lives up to expectations, the Lions’ pass rush could take a real step forward. It’s more than a roster move. It’s a storyline fans can really follow around every week.
Get to Know the Newest Member of the Detroit Lions: Derrick Moore
Moore is a 6-foot-4, 255-pound edge rusher who had a huge season with the Michigan Wolverines. In 2025, he notched 30 tackles, including 10.5 for loss, and 10 sacks to go with three pass breakups, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein says of the player, “Moore is far more active and engaged as a rusher than he is as a run defender. He has the ability to set firm edges, but his approach against the run can lack urgency.”
He adds, “Against the pass, Moore is a bull-rush aficionado, piling up pressures and sacks. He’s strong through the top of the rush but needs to prove he can consistently stress long, well-anchored tackles. When it’s time to finish, he tackles with reliable technique and timing.”
Moore’s not a finished product yet, especially when it comes to defending the run. But, if he can clean that up, he has the tools to turn into a true three-down edge, and Holmes obviously sees something in him, which says a lot.
Derrick Moore Joins Blake Miller in 2026 NFL Draft Class
The Lions also selected offensive tackle Blake Miller with their first-round, No. 17 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft.
According to his official NFL profile, Miller comes to Detroit with an impressive 54 career starts. He’s “ultimate iron man at right tackle” and possesses “unusual lateral quickness and fluidity in space despite playing too upright.”
Chad Reuter of the NFL’s official website gives the Miller pick a perfect A grade. He likes him as a pick following Taylor Decker’s departure.
“The departure of longtime starting OT Taylor Decker made it imperative for the Lions to find another offensive tackle early in the draft,” Reuter says in the piece. He also said that the Lions could have gone with Georgia offensive tackle Monroe Freeling, who went two picks later.
“We’ll see which player has a better NFL career,” he adds, “but I think the Lions made the right call.”
Lions Draft Michigan Standout Derrick Moore — Get to Know Him