The Detroit Lions finished the 2025 season with a 9-8 record and tied for last in the NFC North. It was a disappointing campaign after posting 15 wins in 2024 and 12 wins in 2023. In fact, the Lions’ biggest opponent all season was no opponent at all—it was injuries.
The return of Aidan Hutchinson after his 2024 season-ending leg injury was expected to help stabilize Detroit’s defense. However, he alone was not enough to carry the defense. The Lions struggled to overcome the injuries that continued to pile up around him all year long.
On the Wrong Side of History
While all teams deal with injuries, few suffered more significant losses than the Detroit Lions, especially on the defense. Key players Alim McNeill, Kerby Joseph, Josh Pascal, Terrion Arnold, D. J. Reed, Brian Branch, and Marcus Davenport all missed time last season.
Whether it was a season-ending injury or one that only kept a player out for a few games, the defensive inconsistencies were costly. So much so that the Lions finished with the second-highest defense AGL ranking ever.
According to Aaron Schatz, AGL “measures how often a team’s starters and other important players are missing games or playing at less than 100%.” Even with a fully healthy Hutchinson, the lack of defensive support proved costly.
Detroit Needed Moore
Naturally, it was no surprise that the Lions entered the 2026 NFL Draft with defense on their mind. Detroit needed more help on the defensive line, which is exactly what they got.
The lack of support for Hutchinson was quickly addressed with a draft pick just 44 miles west of Ford Field. After trading up to secure the No. 44 pick, Brad Holmes made the call for Michigan captain, defensive MVP and 2023 national champion edge rusher Derrick Moore.
“Pretty much grew in love with the area, and I’m just excited to be back. I feel like Detroit’s my second home,” Moore told the media following his selection. “Freshman year, I moved my mom up to Michigan with me, so I really ain’t got to go nowhere far. We love Detroit with everything.”
It was clear the Lions desperately needed to fill gaps along their defensive line. They finished the season ranked 26th in the NFL in pass-rush win rate and No. 29 in run-stop win rate.
Hutchinson alone accounted for 32% of the Lions’ total pressures with 49. Al-Quadin Muhammad ranked second with 26 pressures before departing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
There is no doubt that Moore will help reinforce Detroit’s pass rush alongside Hutchinson. Moore finished the season with a 17.5% pressure rate, ranking 1st in the Big 10. The first-team All-Big Ten selection also led the Wolverines in 2025 with 10 sacks, finishing fourth in the Big Ten. Moore also tacked on 29 tackles, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery. Clearly, he can back up the hype.
Built in Maize and Blue
Following the pick, Hutchinson immediately posted his support for his fellow Wolverine on social media. Moore is equally excited to play alongside one of the best pass rushers in program history.
“I’m going to be honest with you…I’m definitely excited to play with Hutch,” Moore told the media. “Hopefully I can learn a lot from him and we can go out and cause a lot of havoc.”
With the addition of Moore, four other defensive draft picks, and six rookie free-agent defenders, the Lions have made their priorities known. Based on Detroit’s offseason approach, the Lions are determined to rebuild the depth needed to contend again.
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