For years, the Detroit Lions have tried to find another reliable pass rusher to start next to Aidan Hutchinson. Unfortunately, Taylor Decker's contract impasse forced them to use their first-round pick on his replacement, Blake Miller, thus leaving the defense for the second round.
That's why they couldn't get their hands on any of the best pass-rushing prospects. They took Michigan's Derrick Moore at No. 44, but judging by the consensus board, that's not likely to solve their problems.
The Lions May Have Reached to Get Derrick Moore
Somewhat surprisingly, David Bailey, Arvell Reese, Rueben Bain Jr., Akheem Mesidor, Malachi Lawrence, and Kendrick Faulk went all in the first round. Then, T.J. Parker, R Mason Thomas, and Cashius Howell were all off the board before the Lions had their shot at a pass rusher.
However, they should get slack for taking Moore at No. 44, especially considering that Zion Young went to the Baltimore Ravens with the very next pick and that Gabe Jacas went to the New England Patriots 11 picks later.
For context, Moore was the No. 59 player in the NFL Mock Draft Database's consensus big board, while Young and Jacas were Nos. 39 and 54, respectively. The Athletic's Dane Brugler had Moore at No. 77, whereas Young and Jacas were Nos. 37 and 49.
Of course, projections can only get you somewhere, and as a local kid, the Lions probably had more than enough intel on the Michigan star to feel comfortable taking him over some more well-rounded and NFL-ready prospects. At first glance, however, that looks like a mistake.
The Lions did the right thing by trying to address a major positional need, but they didn't do so by taking the best player to solve their issues. Moore needs to show better play recognition and understanding of what's going on in front of him. His inconsistent motor also pops up on the tape.
Defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard survived a somewhat disappointing season, unlike offensive coordinator John Morton. That doesn't mean he's going to be given much slack in his second year in the job.
Granted, he can only do so much with the hand GM Brad Holmes is giving him, but it's hard to believe Holmes would've taken Moore without Sheppard's input and blessing. Now, he'll have to reap what he sowed and just hope that, at the very least, Jacas and Young don't have a better season than their rookie.
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