Wolverine Digest

Michigan EDGE rusher continues to pile up preseason accolades and rise up NFL Draft boards

Jerred Johnson|
Michigan defensive coordinator Wink Martindale
Michigan defensive coordinator Wink Martindale | Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

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Michigan Wolverines

It is the season of preseason award watch lists. Recently Michigan senior EDGE rusher Derrick Moore has made the preseason watch list for the Lott IMPACT Trophy. Moore has seen his NFL Draft stock rise before the season has even begun. He is poised for a breakout season and looks to be in peak physical condition heading into the 2025-26 campaign.

IMPACT is an acronym for: Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community, and Tenacity. The award looks for the most well-rounded defensive player in college football and is named after legendary hard-hitting safety Ronnie Lott. The award started in 2004. has had many notable winners to include J.J. Watt, and Michigan players Jabrill Peppers, Aidan Hutchinson, and Junior Colson. Last year's winner, Travis Hunter, was also the Heisman Winner and the second overall pick in the NFL Draft.

Moore had 23 tackles, 4 sacks, and a fumble recovery last year. His play is expected to increase significantly this year, and his stat line will likely be more impressive as well. Moore is, by all accounts, an excellent student, a leader in his community, and a leader on the field. All of these attributes make him a serious contender for the Lott IMPACT Trophy. If his Wolverines exceed expectations on the field, it will put even more shine on Moore and increase the likelihood of him being a serious competitor for this award and a host of other collegiate defensive awards.

Moore has also seen his NFL Draft stock rise in the preseason. Most sites and analysts have him positioned to come off the board early in the second round. The highest I have seen is 37th via Pro Football Focus (PFF). If Moore can increase his leadership and stats next season, there is no doubt he could play his way into the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Moore
Michigan Wolverines defensive end Derrick Moore (8) Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images | Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images

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Jerred Johnson
JERRED JOHNSON

Jerred Johnson has served in the United States military for over 23 years. He has a Bachelors in Marketing, a Masters in Management and is in the final phases of completing his Doctorate in Business Administration.

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