Lions Could Land Local Edge Rusher in 2026 NFL Draft

Detroit projected to select Michigan's Derrick Moore with premium second-round pick.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 9:00pm

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting the overlapping movements and perspectives of a football pass rush, rendered in shades of blue and silver to represent the Detroit Lions.A cubist interpretation of a fierce pass rush, capturing the raw energy and intensity of the Detroit Lions' defensive line.Ann Arbor Today

According to The Athletic's NFL Draft predictions, the Detroit Lions are expected to select Michigan edge rusher Derrick Moore with the No. 50 overall pick in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Moore, a local product from Ann Arbor, had 95 total tackles, 21 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles in his 4 seasons with the Wolverines, including a national championship in his sophomore year.

Why it matters

The Lions have been desperate to improve their pass rush in recent seasons, and adding Moore could provide a boost to their defensive front. As a local college star, his selection would also be well-received by the Detroit fanbase.

The details

Over the last two seasons, the Lions have struggled to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks, an issue they've tried to address in free agency by signing edge rushers DJ Wonnum and Payton Turner to one-year deals. The selection of Moore, who had a productive college career at Michigan, could help solidify the Lions' pass rush alongside 2025 first-round pick Aidan Hutchinson.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 2026.

The players

Derrick Moore

A 4-year edge rusher for the Michigan Wolverines, Moore collected 95 total tackles, 21 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles during his college career, including a national championship in his sophomore season.

Brad Holmes

The general manager of the Detroit Lions, who is looking to build on the team's 9-8 record in 2025 and return the franchise to the playoffs.

Aidan Hutchinson

The Detroit Lions' first-round pick in 2025, Hutchinson is expected to be a key part of the team's pass rush going forward.

DJ Wonnum

An edge rusher signed by the Detroit Lions in free agency, previously with the Carolina Panthers.

Payton Turner

An edge rusher signed by the Detroit Lions in free agency, previously with the New Orleans Saints.

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What they’re saying

“After a free agency period that has left Lions fans with mixed feelings, Detroit is looking to have another productive draft that puts them in the best possible position to return to the postseason.”

— Nick Baumgardner, The Athletic NFL Draft Analyst

What’s next

The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in April 2026, where the Detroit Lions will have the opportunity to select Derrick Moore with the No. 50 overall pick in the second round.

The takeaway

The selection of Derrick Moore, a local product from the University of Michigan, would be a popular choice among Detroit Lions fans as the team looks to bolster its pass rush and return to the playoffs in 2026.