The 2026 Panini Senior Bowl officially kicked off on Tuesday with a pair of practices. While pass-catchers dominated the National Team session, it was the defensive linemen and pass rushers who stole the show throughout the American Team practice. Michigan EDGE Derrick Moore was the standout.
Moore is a buzzworthy name exiting Tuesday evening’s practice. The Wolverines standout has an opportunity to firmly establish himself in the first round conversation of the 2026 NFL Draft. Moore used his opening practice session to signal his intentions.
Moore arguably had the most eye-opening rep of either practice scrimmage. The athletic pass rusher showcased his raw strength by absolutely bulldozing Miami offensive tackle Markel Bell to the ground. It was an impressive display of power versus Bell, who is listed at 6-foot-9 and 340 pounds.
My goodness! What a rep by Michigan EDGE Derrick Moore.
— The Draft Network (@TheDraftNetwork) January 27, 2026
📍@PaniniAmerica Senior Bowl Day 1, American Practice 1 pic.twitter.com/b1QntYgs0y
It wasn't Moore's only rep that caught NFL scouts' attention. During a team practice period, the Baltimore, Maryland native made a play versus the run as the backside pursuit defender. Moore's effort was evident throughout both one-on-one drills and full-team drills.
Moore started 12 games as a rotational junior at Michigan in 2024, but was often overshadowed by draft picks Josaiah Stewart, Kenneth Grant, and Mason Graham. Returning to the Wolverines for his senior season, Moore fully broke out of his shell. Recording a career-high 10.0 sacks, he's positioned to be Michigan's highest-drafted player in 2026.
Moore's 2025 tape highlights a defender who began reaching his performance ceiling by playing with confidence. Throughout October and early November, Moore enjoyed a stretch where he registered two sacks apiece in three consecutive victories over Washington, Purdue, and Michigan State. More than half of his 2025 sacks occurred during this three-game period, showcasing a defender who got better as the season progressed forward.
Moore is an athletic and versatile edge rusher with the skill set required to potentially develop into a double-digit sack artist at the next level. Moore possesses the body type of a prototypical 3-4 outside linebacker. Placing Moore in a stand-up rushing role allows him to generate speed and power against overmatched offensive tackles, as the viral Senior Bowl rep shows.
Moore pairs quick first-step explosiveness with plus-level athleticism. Despite limited experience as an every-down starter, Moore has shown numerous pass-rushing moves with a deep repertoire to alter his approach based on matchup opportunities. A high football IQ is present.
The 2026 NFL Draft features a deep crop of talented pass rushers. Moore appears capable of rivaling those garnering back-end of first-round traction. He's as athletic and productive as most EDGEs in this class.
The Panini Senior Bowl is offering Moore an opportunity to increase his pre-draft stock. His opening practice with the American Team highlighted the complete range of his capabilities as a pass rusher and run stopper. Moore is firmly in the first-round conversation.