The Detroit Lions finally have an edge to pair with franchise defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, and No. 97 is reacting to the news.
During this year’s NFL draft, Lions general manager Brad Holmes and the team did something they haven’t done in far too long: They drafted a young edge relatively early in the event.
The Detroit Lions tapped Michigan standout Derrick Moore with their traded up, No. 44 overall selection. What makes this move even better is that he’ll be paired with Hutchinson who also hails from the maize and blue. So, having two pass rushers, both from the University of Michigan and both drafted right away to the Detroit Lions, feels like fate.
Now, Hutchinson is opening up about the new member of the Detroit Lions’ squad with a short but strong message.
Detroit Lions’ Aidan Hutchinson Sends 3-Word Message to New Edge Derrick Moore
At 9:25 p.m. EDT, right after the draft pick was made official, Hutchinson took to X to share his thoughts on Moore. He sent a three-word message to him that was loud and clear: “Love the pick.”
For full context, Hutchinson’s full message on X stated, “LFG!! Another Mich Man in the building.. love the pick.”
So, Hutchinson is totally pumped to have another University of Michigan player in the house. Now, considering Dan Campbell’s daughter goes to Michigan State University, can’t they find a Spartan to add to the lineup, too?
Early NFL Grades for Derrick Moore Selection From the Detroit Lions
The grade are rolling in for the second and third rounds of the 2026 NFL draft, including for the Lions’ selection of Moore. Carter Bahns of CBS Sports makes his thoughts known in a Saturday, April 25, feature about the draft. Even though he gives the Detroit Lions an overall B- for the first through third rounds, he likes the Moore pick.
“The Lions rebounded in the second round by trading up for Derrick Moore,” he states. “There is now a real hometown feel in Detroit’s edge rusher group, with a pair of Michigan products in Moore and Aidan Hutchinson.”
He also gives the Blake Miller pick some props, stating that the player “emerged as the guy at No. 17, and it’s hard not to love the pick. Not only does Detroit fill a glaring need at one of the tackle spots, but it can now move forward with its plan to shift Penei Sewell from the right side to the left.”
Over at the NFL’s official website, Chad Reuter gives the Lions a B- for the Moore selection. “The Lions traded a fourth-round pick to the Jets to move up for Moore, a powerful rusher who can complement his fellow former Wolverine, Aidan Hutchinson,” he states in the piece. “Detroit had a big need on the edge, and I believe Moore would have been picked by someone else if GM Brad Holmes had not traded up, so the price was reasonable.”
Personally, I agree with Hutchinson and love this pick. Mostly, I like that Holmes finally decided to invest in the edge position with a high selection. Reach out to me with your thoughts.
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