Detroit Lions Select Michigan EDGE Derrick Moore in 2nd Round of the NFL Draft

The Detroit Lions came into Day 2 of the NFL draft having just a single pick in Rd 2 at #50, having traded away both 3rd rounders last year in the move up to grab WR Isaac TeSlaa. After selecting (and filling a substantial need) in Rd 1 with OT Blake Miller of Clemson, the Lions had several needs at EDGE, LB, DT and DB Depth that they could have targeted.

As the round started to unfold, it was going well for the Lions, with the first seven players picked not aligning with the Lions primary needs, including IOL, WR, CB and DT. However, starting at three, and a then a mini run at eight and nine on EDGE caused Brad Holmes to finally pull the trigger and move up from 18the (50) to 12the (44), looking to secure the player to anchor the DE opposite from Aiden Hutchinson for the next several years. The choice was Michigan Edge Derrick Moore, who many of us at the Grey Manes felt was the best overall choice for the Lions in rd. 2 at 50 due to his versatility, ability to anchor against the run and high PFF grades.

Holmes actually had his choice of a few "speed" rush guys like Zion Young and Gabe Jacas at the pick (Young went immediately after at 45, suggesting Brad jumped in front of the Ravens to grab Moore), but the transplant hometown kid was the pick. Interesting enough, the Ravens new head coach is Jesse Minter, who was Michigan's Defensive coordinator for Moore's first two years at Michigan in 2022 and 2023. So, Brad saw the writing on the wall (Moore is originally from the Baltimore area as well) and made the bold move to secure his guy. The best part is the Lions didn't have to give up too much to move up those six spots, sending the Jacksonville Jaguars their second 4th (128) and #50 to jump to #44.

Overall, the mood here at The Grey Manes was overly positive on the pick of Moore, filling a massive need at EDGE and not having to give up any future or many of the remaining picks in the current draft. His PFF grades continued to improve every year, as did his performance, culminating in a 2025 campaign that saw Moore record 30 Tackles, 10.5 TFL, 10 Sacks, 3 PD, 2 FF and 1 FR. His tape backs up his play, and he is now a Detroit Lion.

His college Jersey number of 8 was recently picked up by WR Greg Dortch after Kyle Allen left, so it will be interesting to ee how that plays out.