2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Derrick Moore (EDGE – Michigan)

FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in February. Here’s a look at Michigan EDGE rusher Derrick Moore.

2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Derrick Moore

Derrick Moore (EDGE – Michigan)

6-foot-3 | 260 Pounds

Background

One of the top recruits in his class, Derrick Moore rotated in lightly in 2022 (eight tackles, two sacks) before seeing his snaps nearly double to 410 in 2023, a season in which he posted 34-6.0-5.0. Had a similar season in 2024 (23-6.0-4.0) before breaking out this past year (30-10.5-10.0) to conclude his collegiate career.

Positives

Derrick Moore was a three-year contributor for one of college football’s premier programs, culminating in a strong senior year. Muscularly-built stand-up rusher off the edge of the team’s odd fronts, with a trim body type. Plays with solid functional strength and a tough, chippy temperament; coaches should love the no-nonsense tone-setting he offers. Sets a hard edge and handles his run-game responsibilities with discipline, playing with patience and staying home on the backside.

Willing to mix things up with opposing blockers instead of trying to slip past. Has good power in his hands and holds the point of attack well. Does a pretty good job of locating the football when engaged. Closes fast, can jolt opponents on contact and also looks like a reliable tackler with a relatively wide radius. Runs well and can convert speed to power pretty effectively on passing downs. Gets his feet churning after contact and uses a violent bull rush to walk back opposing blockers. Gets his hands up to contest passing lanes. Was asked to make some spot drops into shallow zones.

Negatives

Moore doesn’t shed blocks quite as quickly as you’d like and could stand to continue developing his hand use. Puts some clunky snaps on tape when trying to work through heavy traffic. Takes on blocks well, but contact balance issues can occasionally crop up when he’s chipped. Can occasionally play slightly out over his skis. Not the loosest, most flexible EDGE rusher in the class.

Very direct, somewhat simple approach to rushing the passer is predicated on using his speed and power, so it’d be nice to see him get a bit more sophisticated and diverse with his rush approach. Can end up deep in the pocket on some passing downs, as he doesn’t have the most bend. Athletic profile might not be ideal for running with opposing tight ends.

Summary

A strong, fast player. Moore carries his weight well and brings a no-nonsense approach, welcoming contact and setting a hard edge in the run game. Has tackling reliability and can convert speed to power on passing downs to grind down opposing tackles.

Compared with some of his peers in the class, Moore looks a little bit stiff, but he does a good job of playing within his skill set. A strong senior year should have him getting Day 2 consideration, likely in a similar pro role (two-gap rush linebacker in an odd defensive front).

Projection: Round 3