Derrick Moore

NFL Draft Profile: Derrick Moore

Position: Defensive End | School: Michigan

Class: Senior | Height: 6'3" | Weight: 260 lbs | Archetype: Balance

College Career Summary

Derrick Moore arrived in Ann Arbor as a highly touted four-star prospect from Baltimore’s St. Frances Academy and immediately became a fixture in Michigan’s heavy defensive line rotation. A consistent contributor on the 2023 National Championship team, Moore was famously credited with the final tackle on Alabama’s Jalen Milroe to secure the 2024 Rose Bowl victory. In 2025, Moore took the mantle as a Team Captain and a full-time starter, producing a breakout campaign that earned him First Team All-Big Ten honors. He finished the 2025 season leading the Wolverines in both sacks (10.0) and tackles for loss (11.0), proving he could transition from a high-floor rotational player to a dominant, every-down force in the Big Ten.

Highlight Career Stats:

• Games Played: 55

• Total Tackles: 95 (30 in 2025)

• Tackles For Loss (TFL): 24.0 (11.0 in 2025)

• Sacks: 21.0 (10.0 in 2025)

• Forced Fumbles: 3 (2 in 2025)

• Pass Breakups: 6 (3 in 2025)

2025 Season Game-by-Game Grades

Opponent	Stats	Grade	Key Performance Note
New Mexico	1 Tkl, 1 QBH	B-	Solid opener; played disciplined contain.
@ Oklahoma	3 Tkl, 1 PBU	B+	Active hands; showcased high Play Recognition.
Central Michigan	0 Stats	B	Controlled the edge; starters rotated out early.
@ Nebraska	3 Tkl, 1.5 Sacks	A-	First multi-sack game of the year; set the tone.
Wisconsin	5 Tkl, 1.0 Sack, 1.5 TFL	A-	Exceptional Run Block Shred against a physical OL.
@ USC	1 Tkl, 1 FR	B	Recovered a fumble; high Pursuit effort.
Washington	3 Tkl, 2.0 Sacks, 1 FF	A+	Breakout Game. Forced fumble and two sacks.
@ Michigan State	6 Tkl, 2.0 Sacks	A	Career high in tackles; played with a High Motor.
Purdue	3 Tkl, 2.0 Sacks, 1 FF	A	Third straight multi-sack game; absolute Star impact.
@ Northwestern	2 Tkl, 1 PBU	B	Good field awareness at Wrigley Field.
@ Maryland	2 Tkl, 1.5 Sacks	A-	Strong homecoming performance in Baltimore.
Ohio State	1 Tkl	C+	Worst Game. Neutralized by OSU’s quick passing game.

Scouting Report

Strengths

• Technical Mastery: Unlike many collegiate rushers, Moore wins with a pro-ready Pass Rush tool bag. He effectively utilizes a long-arm, a violent two-hand strike, and a sophisticated cross-chop.

• Anchor Strength: For 260 lbs, he plays much heavier. He holds the point of attack against the run with excellent lower-body balance, making him a true Balance archetype.

• Intangibles: A voted captain and vocal leader. His Mental Toughness and ability to perform in high-stakes games (Rose Bowl, rivalry games) are elite.

• Explosive Burst: Features a lightning-quick first step that allows him to win the corner or transition speed-to-power effortlessly.

Weaknesses

• Frame Thresholds: Standing at 6'3", some teams may view him as "undersized" compared to 6'5"+ prototypical defensive ends.

• Finish Consistency: Film shows instances where he wins the rep but fails to "close the deal" on mobile quarterbacks, occasionally lacking the final close-quarter agility.

• Positional Exclusivity: He is a true on-the-line defender; he lacks the coverage utility to be a versatile "drop" linebacker in certain 3-4 schemes.

Scheme Fit: Ideal Base 4-3 Defensive End or a 3-4 Outside Linebacker.

NFL Comparison: Josh Hines-Allen (Jaguars) / Haason Reddick

Scout’s Final Word & Projection

Intangibles: 19/20 | Physical Tools: 17/20 | Attributes: 19/20 | Athleticism: 18/20 | IQ: 18/20 Final Grade: 91/100

Derrick Moore is one of the safest edge prospects in the draft. His combination of High Motor, elite hand usage, and championship experience gives him a very high floor. While he may not have the towering height of a superstar like Keldric Faulk, his production in the Big Ten against elite tackles is proof of his NFL readiness. His "Star" impact was undeniable in 2025, particularly during his mid-season stretch of three consecutive multi-sack games.

Draft Projection: 2nd Round (Late 1st Round Potential)