2026 NFL Prospect Profile: Michigan Edge Rusher Derrick Moore

Derrick Moore arrived in Ann Arbor as one of the crown jewels of Michigan’s 2022 recruiting class—a consensus top-50 national prospect with rare power and advanced technique for a high school edge defender. Coming out of Baltimore’s St. Frances Academy, a program known for producing college-ready defensive talent, Moore built his reputation on physicality, violent hands, and a relentless playing style that made him a nightmare for opposing tackles. He chose Michigan over Oklahoma, Georgia, and Penn State and immediately earned praise inside the building for his maturity and work ethic.

As a true freshman, Moore flashed in rotational duty, showing glimpses of the ability that would make him a future centerpiece of Michigan’s defensive front. By 2023 and 2024, he had taken on a larger role, becoming a consistent contributor on early downs as well as a situational pass rusher. While Michigan’s defense rotates heavily, Moore maximized his opportunities with disruptive snaps, steady improvement, and an ability to hold the point of attack against the run—an essential trait in the Wolverines’ scheme.

Moore enters the 2025 season as a fully formed NFL prospect: a sturdy, technically refined edge defender with the frame and all-around skill set to play in either an odd or even front. His physical development, play strength, and consistency give him one of the safest floors in the upcoming defensive edge group.

Strengths

Power at the Point of Attack

Moore’s calling card is his strength. He plays with excellent leverage, can uproot tight ends, and holds his ground against bigger tackles. His ability to condense running lanes and anchor on the edge fits exactly what NFL teams want in early-down defenders.

Hand Technique

Unlike many college edge rushers who rely purely on athleticism, Moore wins with his hands—fast, violent, and strategic. He shows a refined long-arm, a strong two-hand strike, and the ability to stack and shed with pro-ready precision.

Motor and Competitiveness

Moore plays through the whistle with a nonstop engine. Whether chasing plays down the line or pursuing mobile quarterbacks, his effort level stands out on film.

Play Strength and Balance

He rarely gets knocked off his path. Moore maintains excellent lower-body balance, allowing him to absorb contact and stay attached through blocks.

Scheme Versatility

Michigan moved Moore across multiple alignments—wide-9, 5-tech, and even interior on obvious passing downs. That flexibility will appeal to both 4–3 and 3–4 NFL defenses.

Weaknesses

Top-End Burst

While Moore has good acceleration, he is not an elite first-step athlete compared to top-tier speed rushers. He wins more with technique and power than with pure explosiveness.

Bend and Flexibility

Moore can flatten his rush arc, but he isn’t a natural “gumby” bender. His hips and ankles don’t offer the same level of flexibility as the draft’s twitchier edges.

Limited Coverage Utility

He is a true defensive end and not someone you want dropping into space. His projection is exclusively as an on-the-line defender.

Conclusion

Derrick Moore projects as one of the safest, most pro-ready edge rushers in the 2026 NFL Draft class. His power, technique, and motor give him a high early-impact floor, while his versatility and discipline make him a fit for nearly any NFL defensive front. Though he may never be a pure speed demon off the edge, Moore’s physicality and all-around game suggest he could become a long-term, high-level starter.

Draft Nation projects Moore as a strong Day 2 candidate with the potential to rise into Round 1 if he adds another layer of pass-rush refinement in 2025.