The Detroit Lions picked Derrick Moore at No. 44 on Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft. The Lions moved up six spots in the second round to get Moore.

His arrival in Detroit adds another Michigan Wolverine to the Lions roster, after the team drafted Aidan Hutchinson No. 2 overall in 2022. Hutchinson shared his excitement after the pick and welcomed Moore by posting a message on X on Friday.

"L**!! Another Mich Man in the building," Hutchinson wrote on X. "Love the pick."

Moore joined Michigan in 2022, just after Hutchinson left that year, but he spent time trying to follow his path.

Moore once aimed to break Hutchinson’s single-season sack record of 14 with the Wolverines. While he didn’t reach that number, he still had a strong season.

In the 2025 season, he racked up 10 sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss. That was a big jump from the four sacks and six TFL he had the year before.

Over his college career, Moore played 53 games and started 23. He was also a three-time All-Big Ten selection and was voted team captain in 2025.

The move also points to Detroit’s focus on building a strong defense. Pairing two Michigan pass rushers could help the Lions create pressure more often this season.

After Aidan Hutchinson reacted to the pick, many fans shared the same excitement, while others focused on what this pairing could mean going forward.

Fans Excited as Lions Pair Derrick Moore with Aidan Hutchinson

As the Lions made the move, fans shared their thoughts. Most reactions were positive, with many liking the Michigan connection between Derrick Moore and Aidan Hutchinson, though some also pointed to the expectations that come with it.

“Yaaaaa baby.....you and Moore on the ends....time to wreak havoc my boy....2 Michigan boys coming to break ya..... let's go......GO BLUE!!! GO LIONS!!!!” one fan posted.

Focusing on the impact that both players could have rushing together in the game.

“BRAD HOLMES FINALLY GOT YOU SOME HELP!!!!!” another fan wrote.

At the same time, a few fans hinted that this move now puts pressure on the duo to deliver right away and prove the decision was worth it.

“We love you, hutch, glad you finally got your buddy!!!” a fan shared.

This comment shows support for the reunion and comfort with the move.

“You better make him work out with you and train that boy,” one fan said.

“Knew you’d love it,” one X user wrote.

This reflected how expected Hutchinson’s reaction was, highlighting the belief in Moore as a strong partner for Hutchinson.

“You finally got a true running mate,” another added.

The Lions still have more work to do, but this move has clearly excited the fan base.

What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments.

Read more at the Detroit Lions Community.

Written by

Anjali Thakur

Edited by

Shubhi Rathore