The four-star recruit coming out of St. Frances Academy in Baltimore, Maryland, Derrick Moore, will now be suiting up for the pros. The Detroit Lions traded up from pick 50 to pick 44 to select the edge defender. But a Michigan alum dropped a caution on things Moore will have to take care of in the NFL.

“What I'd like to see him do between now and the regular season is put on a little bit of weight, be that three down player," former Michigan player Jon Jansen said on the MGoBlue Podcast. "I know he can stop the run. He did it at Michigan, but doing it in the NFL, it's a different animal, putting, you know, adding a little bit of weight.”

Jansen and Moore have one major thing in common. Both won national championships at Michigan, with Jansen doing it in 1997 and Moore in 2023. The former offensive tackle is now offering advice as Moore prepares for the professional level.

"Well, Dan Campbell certainly has a type. Moore is ultra-physical and persistent, and he can be counted on to hold up against both the run and pass,” wrote Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz of USA Today.

According to NBC Sports, coming out of Michigan, Moore holds a 92.3 percent tackle rate and 77.1 percent run-stop. He recorded 10 sacks in his final season. So, he is someone who is known for his strength entering the NFL Draft. All he will have to take care of is his weight.

Standing tall at 6-0 and weighing 255 lbs, he is entering the league that is much more physical and demanding. Adding a little weight could help him handle bigger and stronger offensive linemen while still being effective as a pass rusher.

“One of the things we liked about him is his bull rush,” Jansen added. “You're gonna have to have a little bit more weight in the can to be able to push some of those offensive tackles back while not losing speed.”

Thanks to his heavy hands, Moore was dominant with the bull rush. Yet, Jansen stressed once again that putting on some muscle could make his job easier against NFL linemen.

Derrick Moore’s Role Remains Unclear

Ever since the Lions drafted Moore, there has been chatter about what role he could play. General Manager Brad Holmes has said defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard could use Moore in various roles.

"Sheppard is just going to put guys in the best position to do what they do best. That's what he showed on tape is he can set edges in the run game," Holmes said. "He can rush outside, he can rush inside. And I'm quite sure that's how Sheppard's going to utilize him," he said in a post-draft press conference.

Moore is projected to be part of a rotation at defensive end with D.J. Wonnum and Levi Onwuzurike, something Dan Campbell discussed while outlining his vision for the pass rushers in March.

What are your thoughts on Jansen’s advice for Moore? Share in the comments.

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Written by

Samvruth Raj

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar