The Detroit Lions have once again filled a need in this year's draft, going for edge rusher Derrick Moore at 44th overall in the 2nd round. While Moore, the former Michigan Wolverine, might've been a bit of a reach at this point in the draft, it's obvious that Detroit liked what they were going to get out of another Michigan product on their line.
Aidan Hutchinson also, finally, has a likely long-term answer to the hole that's existed next to him on the edge for years. Moore still has some refining to do with his game, especially as a run-stopper, but he's a very strong pass rusher with a ton of upside.
And, The Athletic's Dane Brugler would agree. The draft expert wrote of Moore that he is an "unselfish, well-rounded player with a feel for what he’s doing; boasts a high floor," adding that he has been "gradually ascending over the past four seasons."
Bleacher Report's Matt Holder had similar praise for Moore in his profile of the edge rusher, writing:
"Derrick Moore is a well-put-together pass-rusher who did an excellent job of expanding his repertoire this season to have an impressive senior year. The 6'3", 260-pound edge defender went from winning almost exclusively with speed to power to adding a nice inside counter move and becoming more explosive this season."
Lions have plenty to celebrate about Moore pick
Moore seems to have been another safe pick from Holmes, who is not being his typically-aggressive self in this year's draft (so far). While Moore was taken thanks to a trade up, it was a small one that only cost the Lions one of their 4th-rounders and their 50th pick in the 2nd round. That's a decent price to pay to get the guy that you want.
Adding another pocket disruptor was key for the Lions after a down year in that department, and after losing Za'Darius Smith in free agency. While the Lions also struggled with their run defense this past season, they're likely comfortable relying on the returns of Levi Onwuzurike and a healthy Alim McNeill to make up the difference there.
READ MORE: Lions' sure-handed Blake Miller pick puts Larry Borom on thin ice
Moore's upside will be fun to unlock, especially given his Michigan roots. He's going to have a built-in fan base thanks to his four-year tenure at the school, and thanks to the fact that the Lions now roster two pass rushers from the program.
Add us as a preferred source on Google