ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Detroit Lions rookie edge rusher Derrick Moore says his transition to the NFL has been smoother than expected, and he credits his time at the University of Michigan for laying the groundwork.
Speaking during mandatory minicamp, the former Michigan Wolverines College Football Playoff national champion said the culture and defensive system he played in at the university closely resemble what he has encountered with the Lions.
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“I feel like being at Michigan and coming into the NFL, I was really prepared for it,” Moore said. “They treated the whole entire program like an NFL program.”
Moore credited former Michigan coaches Jim Harbaugh and Sherrone Moore for helping prepare players for the next level, both mentally and schematically.
“I see everything literally, same knowledge, almost the same system Derrick said. “I fit really well in the system, know the system really well. I just got to come out here and be a ball player.”
Moore leans on veterans, embraces learning curve
The rookie said he has approached his first NFL offseason with a willingness to learn, leaning on veteran teammates for guidance.
“A lot of things,” Moore said when asked what he has learned from veterans. “They’ve pretty much been like a big brother to me. I’m just trying to continue to be humble, keep my head down, and be a sponge.”
Derrick joins a defensive line led by standout pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson, another former Michigan standout.
While many have asked about eventually playing alongside Hutchinson, Derrick said his focus is on the entire defensive unit rather than any one player.
“It’d be an honor playing with Hutch,” Derrick said. “But at the end of the day, as a unit, we’re just trying to be the best unit in the league and go out and dominate together.”
The familiarity extends beyond Hutchinson.
Moore said having fellow Michigan alumni in the building, such as Jimmy Rolder, has helped ease the transition to professional football.
“It kind of does make it easier because you’ve got some familiar faces in the building,” Derrick said. “I can have somebody to joke around with and think about times we had at Michigan.”
Michigan roots run deep for Moore
Asked what defines a Michigan defensive player, Derrick quickly pointed to physicality.
“That’s us,” Derrick said. “No matter who the defensive coordinator was, that’s one thing we always were taught, being physical, defeating blocks, getting off blocks, and getting to the quarterback.”
As minicamp concludes, Derrick plans to use the break before training camp to recover while continuing to prepare for his first NFL season.
“My plan is to get off my feet just a little bit,” Derrick said. “But I’m still on the grind. Make sure I’m in shape for camp and stay in the playbook as best I can.”
Derrick said he remains connected to his college roots, still living in Ann Arbor during the offseason and keeping a close eye on the Wolverines program.
He recently met new Michigan head coach Kyle Whittingham and said he came away impressed.
“Great guy,” Moore said. “It was a great conversation. Everything I’m hearing back from the guys at the facility sounds good.”
Arnold focused on health, trust entering third season
Cornerback Terrion Arnold is focused on a different kind of growth as he prepares for his third NFL season, with a focus on staying healthy and building trust within the secondary.
Speaking after mandatory minicamp, Arnold said he felt he was playing some of the best football of his career before an injury interrupted his progress last season.
“Before I got hurt, I started playing my best ball,” Arnold said. “I started to get comfortable.”
Now, the former first-round pick is focused on entering training camp healthy and continuing to grow as both a player and a leader.
“Just being able to go out there, stay healthy, then be the best teammate I could be,” Arnold said. “Going out there being a leader, making sure I overcommunicate and really just knowing my teammates.”
Arnold estimated he is currently between 75% and 80% healthy but expects to be fully ready when training camp begins.
“Knowing that I am healthy now,” Arnold said. “I’ve had the surgeries, got worked on, and I’m feeling better. I’m ready for that.”
‘Competition breeds excellence’
A key emphasis for Arnold this offseason has been building trust within the Lions’ defense.
Arnond said developing chemistry with teammates allows players to perform confidently within the scheme rather than trying to do too much individually.
“When you have trust, you have the ability to make plays in the scheme just by having that trust with your teammates,” Arnold said.
Competition has been a major theme throughout Detroit’s offseason program, with head coach Dan Campbell repeatedly emphasizing that no jobs are guaranteed.
Arnold said he welcomes that environment.
“I wouldn’t say it’s pressure,” Arnold said. “Competition breeds excellence.”
Arnold said NFL teams are supposed to bring in players capable of challenging for roster spots and playing time, adding that those situations often bring out the best in everyone involved.
“The environments that they brought the guys in, they thrive in,” Arnold said. “That’s what the NFL is all about.”
Arnold reflects on personal growth, family atmosphere
Arnold also reflected on his personal growth after navigating offseason scrutiny and off-field attention.
While declining to discuss specific matters, he said the experience taught him the value of patience and perspective.
“Sometimes silence is the best answer to everything,” Arnold said. “That’s a growth as far as being a man and a growth as far as being a player.”
The cornerback said he remains confident in himself and his support system, but has learned that not every situation requires a public response.
“Some things are better left addressed. Some things are better left unsaid,” Arnold said.
Arnold credited the support he received from coaches, teammates, and the organization throughout his time in Detroit.
“Having a coach that will go to bat for you, it means everything,” Arnold said.
He added that the culture built by Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes has reinforced the family atmosphere inside the organization.
“A lot of guys preach that,” Arnold said. “But honestly, this place feels like home.”
As the Lions head into the summer break before training camp, Arnold’s focus remains straightforward: continue recovering, strengthen relationships within the secondary, and help the defense take another step forward in 2026.