Detroit Lions General Manager Brad Holmes explains trading up for Michigan football’s Derrick Moore

ALLEN PARK, Mich. – Detroit Lions General Manager Brad Holmes said the team aggressively moved up in the second round of the NFL draft to select Derrick Moore, a standout edge rusher from the University of Michigan, citing scheme fit and intangibles as key factors in the decision.

“We’re really, really excited,” Holmes said. “It’s hard to find guys that, I’m not going to say we’re picky, but we have a certain type that we like, and he fits those boxes.”

To acquire Moore, Detroit sent the New York Jets’ pick No. 50 (second round) and No. 128 (fourth round) for the 44th pick on Friday (April 24).

--> Detroit Lions trade up to select Michigan football star Derrick Moore with No. 44 pick in NFL draft

Lions target Moore amid edge rusher run

Detroit traded up six spots to secure Moore amid a run on edge rushers early in the second round.

Holmes noted the uncertainty of how other teams graded prospects.

“He was part of that cluster we were targeting,” Holmes said. “For us, he was our one at that point.”

Holmes pointed to Moore’s performance during Senior Bowl practices as a pivotal evaluation moment, even though the defender did not play in the game itself.

“His practices were really, really good,” Holmes said. “He showed he’s an improved pass rusher, not just off the edge, but inside as well. That’s a very underrated part of his game.”

Versatility key to Moore’s fit in Detroit

The Lions believe Moore’s versatility will strengthen a defensive front built around star pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson, a fellow Michigan Wolverines alumnus.

Holmes said Moore can contribute immediately in a rotation, spelling Hutchinson while lining up across multiple positions in sub-packages.

“He can set edges in the run game, rush outside, rush inside,” Holmes said. “That’s what he showed on tape, and that’s how we expect to use him.”

Holmes also emphasized Moore’s instincts and willingness to handle the less glamorous aspects of the position.

“You’ve got to earn the right to rush the passer,” Holmes said. “He does the dirty work. He’s instinctive, and that gives him a high floor.”

Michigan background eases NFL transition

Detroit’s front office has consistently prioritized players from programs that run pro-style systems.

Holmes said Moore’s experience at Michigan should ease his transition to the NFL.

“When you see guys coming out of programs like Michigan, Alabama, or Georgia, they’re used to NFL concepts,” Holmes said. “It takes a little projection off your plate.”

While the Lions lost pass-rush production in the offseason, Holmes said expectations for Moore’s rookie year will remain measured.

“He just needs to come in and be who he is,” Holmes said. “We didn’t draft him to replace anybody’s numbers right away, but we do believe he can grow into that kind of player over time.”

Intangibles, work ethic set Moore apart

Detroit’s first two selections, an offensive tackle and Moore — aligned with both roster needs and the team’s best-player-available philosophy, Holmes added.

“When it blends together like that, it’s really nice,” Holmes said.

Holmes credited the organization’s scouting process for identifying Moore’s work ethic and passion for football as differentiators.

“There are a lot of guys with physical ability,” Holmes said. “But the intangibles, the love for the game, the coachability, that’s what really matters. He checks those boxes.”

With additional picks remaining, Holmes said the Lions still have flexibility to add depth but expressed satisfaction with how the draft has unfolded.

“We feel like we’ve got enough ammo to keep building,” Holmes said.

Lions 2026 NFL draft picks

Here’s the complete list of the Lions’ remaining picks in the 2025 NFL draft:

• Round 1: Offensive tackle Blake Miller, No. 17 overall.
• Round 2: Edge rusher Derrick Moore, No. 44 (from Jets)
• Round 4: No. 118.
• Round 5: No. 157.
• Round 5: No. 181 (compensatory pick).
• Round 6: No. 205 (from Jacksonville).
• Round 6: No. 213 (from Seattle).
• Round 7: No. 222 (from Cleveland).