As March continues and all 32 NFL franchises look ahead to the 2026 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears will have four picks in the top 100, including two in the second round, providing the front office with plenty of opportunities to add long-term building blocks on defense who fit Dennis Allen's scheme.
After not adding an edge rusher in free agency, the Bears could use one of their top-100 selections on an edge rusher to pair with veteran Montez Sweat and third-year player Austin Booker. One name who should really intrigue Chicago is Michigan Wolverines edge rusher, Derrick Moore.
Let's get into our scouting report on Moore.
Derrick Moore, Michigan, (6-foot-4, 255 pounds)
From his NFL.com scouting report via Lance Zierlein:
"Edge prospect with good size and length. Moore is far more active and engaged as a rusher than he is as a run defender. He has the ability to set firm edges, but his approach against the run can lack urgency. Against the pass, Moore is a bull-rush aficionado, piling up pressures and sacks. He's strong through the top of the rush but needs to prove he can consistently stress long, well-anchored tackles. When it's time to finish, he tackles with reliable technique and timing. If Moore cranks up the fire on all three downs, he can become a good full-time player. Either way, he projects as a starter capable of racking up pressures."
Film:
Strengths:
- Possesses more than enough length and strength to play in an even or odd front as the next level.
- Flies downhill with tenacity and physicality.
- Football awareness and ball tracking skills flash on film.
- Feet are always moving, especially when he makes contact with offensive linemen.
- Will be a versatile player at the next level, especially due to the various spots that he can align when on the field.
- Bull rush is among the best in this draft class.
- Tackling technique is refined with the ability to wrap up players instantly once he gets his hands on them.
Weaknesses:
- Average athleticism for a player who does so many good things on film.
- Will need to shore up his run defense to take another step forward in his development.
- Lacks the ability to fire off the ball and quickly penetrate the backfield.
- Fails to make an impact when his bull rush stalls and gets shut down.
Does Moore fit the Bears defense?
Moore isn't necessarily the most polarizing prospect on the planet, and while he has some good measurables, his inability to be an adequate run defender is a reason that he may not be so high on the Bears board. It's highly likely that, as a rookie, Moore finds himself playing solely as a player who gets asked to rush the quarterback. While his versatility will open up opportunities for players like Booker and Sweat, Chicago will need to be cautious about exposing him as a run defender.
He could do everything the Bears need on defense, but may never develop into a true game-changer.
Conclusion:
With his current skill set, he could be a rotational piece during his first season before developing into a well-rounded player throughout his second season in the league.
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