The Michigan football team is ready for a big weekend as the 2026 NFL Draft begins in Pittsburgh. While the team might not have a player picked in the first round this year, plenty of Wolverines are expected to find new homes on the second and third days of the event. And leading the pack is defensive star, Derrick Moore. 

According to Anthony Broome from The Wolverines, who ran a Pro Football Focus mock draft simulator, Moore is predicted to be the first Michigan player taken. He is projected to go to the Houston Texans in the third round with the 69th overall pick. 

The Texans are a massive franchise worth about $7.4 billion according to the Forbes NFL Team Valuations, and adding Moore would be a homecoming of sorts. Moore was a key player on the Michigan team that won the National Championship right there in Houston back in early 2024. 

Moore had a fantastic final season at Michigan. He finished the year with 10 sacks, showing he can consistently get past blockers to tackle the QB. He also forced two fumbles in 12 games.

At 6'3" and 260 pounds, he has the perfect build for an edge rusher. He is strong enough to stop the run but fast enough to chase down quick players.

While some fans might be sad to see Michigan's "first-round streak" end, Moore potentially heading to a top-tier team like the Texans shows that the program is still producing elite professional talent.

With the draft starting soon, the question remains: How can Moore’s talents help the Texans? 

How Can Derrick Moore's Inclusion Help the Texans?

The Texans boasted a top-tier defense that finished in 2025. They ranked 3rd in yards allowed, but are hungry for more consistent pressure. Last season, Will Anderson Jr. carried the load with 12 sacks and 85 pressures, but the unit lacked a steady rotational partner to punish double teams.

Adding Derrick Moore could provide the Houston Texans with a boost in defensive consistency and depth. 

According to Danny Kelly’s Big Board on The Ringer, he highlighted Moore’s elite 'speed-to-power' transition and his ‘long-arm move’. At 260 pounds, he offers the versatility to play as a traditional DE or a stand-up linebacker. 

By snagging Moore in the third round, Houston gains a cost-effective, big-game performer who already won a National Championship on their home turf at NRG Stadium. For a team looking to balance the field against superstar Will Anderson Jr., Moore is the ideal “pocket-collapsing" addition.

Do you think Moore would be a good addition to the Texans?

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Written by

Sourav Ganguly

Edited by

Zaid Quraishi