Allen Park — The Detroit Lions couldn’t wait to draft defensive end Derrick Moore, trading up six spots in the second round to select the Michigan product with the 44th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on Thursday.
Detroit sent picks Nos. 50 and 128 to the New York Jets in exchange for No. 44. One of the teams jumped by the Lions were the Baltimore Ravens, who are coached by Jesse Minter. Moore was coached by Minter from 2022-23, when Minter was Michigan’s defensive coordinator. The Ravens drafted Missouri edge defender Zion Young at No. 45 overall.
Moore, 23, possesses a number of traits the Lions desire on the edge opposite Aidan Hutchinson, namely that he rushes with power and sets a firm edge in the run game. Moore (6-foot-3⅞, 255 pounds) has been productive over the last two seasons, recording 53 tackles (16½ for loss), 14 sacks, 78 pressures and two forced fumbles in 24 appearances.
In addition to Moore and Hutchinson, the Lions also have edge defenders D.J. Wonnum, Payton Turner, Tyler Lacy and Ahmed Hassanein on their roster. Moore figures to compete for reps across from Hutchinson as a rookie, and he could be a potential long-term running mate for Detroit’s star.
“Moore is a well-rounded player with a feel for what he’s doing in both the run game and as a pass rusher,” The Athletic’s Dane Brugler wrote. “I like his floor more than his ceiling, but the tools are there for him to become an NFL starter.”
Derrick Moore stats
Detroit Lions’ remaining 2026 NFL Draft picks
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This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Lions swing trade for Michigan edge Derrick Moore in second round
Reporting by Richard Silva, The Detroit News / The Detroit News
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