The Detroit Lions came into the 2026 NFL draft with a handful of critical holes to fill on their lineup, and they came out of it with many of those gaps closed.
Now, NFL analysts and experts are taking note of the Lions’ moves and largely liking them.
The Detroit Lions taking offensive tackle
Blake Miller out of Clemson in the first round with their No. 17 overall pick was a key move, since it helps buffer the loss of longtime starting offensive tackle Taylor Decker, but a different move is getting even more attention.
The Lions also traded up to snag Michigan edge rusher Derrick Moore with the 44th overall pick in the second round of the 2026 NFL draft, and that’s the decision that’s stealing the spotlight.
Now, the Detroit Lions have a sturdy, rising edge rusher who they can pair in a starting role with fellow Michigan player Aidan Hutchinson. What’s not to like about that?
Lions rookie found his ‘perfect landing spot’ in Detroit
In a piece out on Friday, May 8, Matt Bowen of ESPN says that Moore was literally found the “perfect landing spot” with the Lions.
“The best speed-to-power rusher in the 2026 class, Moore had 10 sacks in 2025 at Michigan,” he notes in the piece. “He walked offensive tackles back into the pocket on tape, showcasing immense striking power and leg drive.”
Bowen adds: “This fits with the Lions, who needed a physical rusher opposite Aidan Hutchinson. Moore’s rookie value could be on third downs as a designated rusher out of sub-sets. But with Hutchinson drawing protection slides and chips, Moore can also produce early in one-on-one situations.”
There’s talk that the Detroit Lions’ window to get to the Super Bowl has closed, especially after the team’s finish last season at the bottom of the NFC North. But, this team still has one of the strongest offenses in the league, with Fox Sports ranking the team at No. 10 ahead of the 2026-27 season. So, no, the window hasn’t closed. It’s just a little more difficult for the Lions to get through it.
With smart choices like snagging both Moore and Miller in the draft, Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes are making the kind of moves that could still take this franchise to the next level. It’s been difficult without Ben Johnson heading up the offense, but don’t count the Detroit Lions out just yet.