Apr 25, 2026, 11:15 AM CUT

Brad Holmes Outlines Expectations for Lions Rookie Derrick Moore after Draft Trade-Up

Via IMAGO Sport Bilder des Tages INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 01: Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes answers questions from the media during the NFL, American Football Herren, USA Scouting Combine on March 1, 2022, at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN. Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire NFL: MAR 01 Scouting Combline Icon2203014132, December 2, 2023, Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S: Michigan Wolverines defensive end Derrick Moore 8 spies the backfield on a play during the Big Ten Championship game between the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Michigan Wolverines at Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana. Indianapolis U.S. - ZUMAs304 20231202_zaf_s304_017 Copyright: xScottxStuartx

The Detroit Lions traded up on Friday, April 24, to pick Michigan Wolverines' Derrick Moore in the 2026 NFL Draft. Detroit moved up six spots, from No. 50 overall to No. 44, to select Moore on day 2. The general manager, Brad Holmes, addressed the team's expectations.

The message around Moore is already clear. After trading up to get him, the team is not putting early pressure, but still expects growth from the young pass rusher.

“Yeah, look, he just needs to come in and be who he is. That's not the reason why we drafted him,” Holmes said. “He has to replace Q's [Quinton Jefferson] production. And no, it's not that. If he does, great. We do expect that he can become that player, to meet that kind of production in time.“

Ever since drafting Aidan Hutchinson No. 2 overall in 2022, the Lions have been trying to find a reliable edge rusher to complement him. They also picked up Josh Paschal that year.

But after four seasons, he was let go this offseason. Since then, the Lions haven’t been able to strike the right balance between filling their pass-rush need and drafting the best player available early.

Even with their need for an edge peaking last season, the Lions didn’t land a best-available option at the position until the sixth round. But this season, things aligned.

So, Holmes does not want Moore to fill those big shoes right away. But the team believes he can grow eventually. Talking about growth? Moore has already proved himself in Michigan.

After posting four sacks in his first year as a starter, Moore took a leap in 2025, leading Michigan with 10. He was a three-time All-Big Ten selection and also served as a team captain in 2025.

With the Lions drafting Moore, he will be joining fellow Michigan player Hutchinson. Moore didn’t cross paths with Hutchinson in Ann Arbor, arriving a year later. But he has followed his career closely and is now ready to learn from him firsthand.

“I’m gonna be honest with you, that was one right there that I’m definitely excited about -- to play with Hutch,” Moore said during a Zoom conference call.

This might be a reason for Moore to develop himself as the Lions treat him as a long-term piece, not a quick fix.

How Derrick Moore Fits the Lions’ Defensive Plan

ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. broke down Moore’s game after the pick and pointed to his strength and pressure ability.

“For Derrick Moore, speed-to-power element, uproots offensive tackles, he’s a bull-rusher, can do it that way,” Kiper said. “He was getting the job done on a consistent basis.”

Moore’s path at Michigan was strong. He played 29 games in his first two seasons and still produced 42 tackles and seven sacks while not being a full-time starter.

The Lions see Moore as a versatile defender. He can set the edge, rush from both inside and outside, and rotate in either, fitting into the pass-rush rotation or lining up opposite Hutchinson. Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 255 pounds, he brings intensity against the run.

The focus now is on development and how fast he adjusts to the NFL level. Will Moore be able to catch up with the growth in the NFL? Share your thoughts.

Written by

Anjali Thakur