Full Breakdown
Lions Trade Up to Draft Edge Rusher Derrick Moore
4/25/2026, 2:05:22 PM
Core Event
On April 24, 2026, the Detroit Lions traded picks No. 50 and No. 128 to the New York Jets for the Jets’ No. 44 selection and drafted Michigan defensive end Derrick Moore, who posted 30 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss and 10 sacks in 2025.
Background
The Lions lacked a permanent partner for Aidan Hutchinson. Prior drafts saw them pass on edge prospects, notably skipping Lukas Van Ness in 2023 and only finding a sixth-round edge rusher (Ahmed Hassanein) in 2025. GM Brad Holmes said the team would not draft a position over a player they trust.
Player Profile
Moore was a Michigan captain with 118 career pressures and 21 sacks, including 41 pressures and 10 sacks in his final season. He posted a 17.5 % pressure rate (Big Ten best) and is noted for size (6-3/6-4, 255 lb), long arms (33 3/8 in.) and a relentless motor.
Data & Statistics
College stats: 30 tackles, 10.5 TFL, 10 sacks (2025); career totals 118 pressures, 21 sacks. Pass-rush metrics vary: 36 % win rate (source 6) vs. 92.4 grade (source 8). Detroit gave up picks 50 and 128 for pick 44.
Official Statements
Holmes said Moore fits the Lions’ preferred player type, can complement veteran DJ Wonnum and relieve Hutchinson’s workload, and that defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard will use him in multiple alignments to maximize his impact.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts note the Lions’ historic edge-rusher shortage, citing the 2023 choice of running back Jahmyr Gibbs over Van Ness and limited early-round pass-rush talent, questioning whether the trade-up cost was justified.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on Moore’s 2025 sack total (10 vs. 11) and pass-rush rating (36 % win rate vs. 92.4 grade). No projection of rookie snap count or production is provided.
Why It Matters
Moore adds a high-floor option to a pass-rush group that now includes Hutchinson, Wonnum, Payton Turner and Ahmed Hassanein, increasing depth for nickel and sub-defense packages.
What’s Next
Training camp will decide if Moore challenges Wonnum for a starting role opposite Hutchinson. Holmes expects Moore to “come in and be who he is,” emphasizing instinctive run defense and versatility.
Verbatim Quotes
- “When it blends together like that, it's really nice. Couldn't be happier, actually.” — Brad Holmes, Lions GM
- “It's hard to find guys that — I'm not gonna say we're picky — we just have a certain type that we like, and he fits those boxes,” — Brad Holmes
- “When you start talking about guys who have good floors or higher floors coming in, usually those guys are instinctive players, and that’s what he is,” — Brad Holmes
- “I like that he knows what he does well as a rusher and capitalizes on it.” — AFC national scout
