Derrick Moore Scouting Report | Michigan EDGE | 2026 NFL Draft

Player Snapshot

School: Michigan
Position: Edge Rusher
Height: 6-4 / Weight: 248 lbs
Class: Senior
Hometown: Sarasota, Florida

Derrick Moore is a disruptive, high-motor edge defender whose blend of burst, power, and football intelligence places him firmly in the Day 2 discussion. A key contributor in Michigan’s defensive front, Moore consistently impacted games as both a pass rusher and run defender. His profile is built on explosiveness off the snap, strong hands, and reliable edge-setting ability; traits that translate cleanly to the NFL level.

Player Background & Production

Moore developed into a featured defender within Michigan’s rotation before emerging as a primary edge presence. His production reflects steady growth, particularly as a backfield disruptor and pressure generator against high-level Big Ten competition. He aligned both as a stand-up edge and with his hand in the dirt, showing comfort in multiple fronts.

His statistical output (tackles for loss, sacks, and consistent pressure) mirrors what shows up on film: a defender who affects quarterbacks and forces offenses to account for him on every snap. Moore’s role expanded as his technique and play recognition matured, making him one of the Wolverines’ most dependable defensive pieces.

Strengths

First-Step Explosion: Moore’s get-off is one of his defining traits. He fires off the ball with urgency and often gains immediate leverage on offensive tackles. His burst forces linemen to open their hips early, creating rush angles he can exploit with speed-to-power transitions.

Power & Hand Usage: He plays with heavy, active hands and understands leverage. Moore uses long-arm techniques, rips, and inside counters to disengage, and he can convert speed into functional power to collapse the pocket. His strength at the point of attack allows him to reset the line of scrimmage when he wins the pad level.

Run Defense & Edge Setting: Moore is not a situational-only pass rusher. He sets the edge with discipline, keeps outside contain, and demonstrates awareness against zone and gap concepts. His physicality allows him to hold ground versus tackles and tight ends, giving him three-down value.

Motor & Competitive Toughness: His effort consistently shows on backside pursuit and extended plays. Moore chases laterally, works to re-engage if initially stalled, and finishes with authority when he closes.

Football IQ: Moore processes quickly against misdirection and read-option looks. He maintains assignment integrity and rarely overpursues. His awareness allows him to adjust rush lanes and stay disciplined within the structure of the defense.

Areas for Improvement

Bend & Flexibility: Moore wins more with burst and power than elite cornering ability. His ankle flexion and hip bend are solid but not rare, which can limit his ability to consistently flatten at tight angles against NFL tackles.

Counter Move Development: While he has foundational pass-rush tools, his move set can expand. Developing a more consistent secondary counter when his initial rush stalls would elevate his sack production at the next level.

Finishing Consistency: Moore generates steady pressure, but converting those pressures into clean sack finishes can improve. Refining balance at the top of the rush arc will help him close more consistently.

Film Traits & Measurables

• Physical Frame: 6-4 / 248 with strong lower-body base
• Athletic Profile: Explosive first step with solid lateral mobility
• Rush Style: Speed-to-power emphasis with active hands
• Play Style: Physical edge-setter with disciplined run defense and steady pressure output

Draft Projection & NFL Fit

Moore projects as a Day 2 selection, most commonly in the Round 2 range, depending on scheme fit and positional run. His skill set fits 4-3 fronts as a traditional defensive end and hybrid systems that rotate edge alignments.

He offers three-down value due to his reliability against the run and consistent pocket disruption. In systems that emphasize disciplined edge control paired with interior pressure, Moore projects as an early rotational defender with long-term starter upside.

Summary

Derrick Moore is a physical, explosive edge rusher with strong hands, reliable run defense, and consistent pressure production against top competition. He wins with burst and leverage rather than rare bend, but his effort, power, and awareness create a high floor as a pro defender. With continued refinement of his counter moves, Moore has the tools to become a steady NFL starter along the edge.

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