Matt LaFleur, Green Bay Packers
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Head coach Matt LaFleur of the Green Bay Packers looks on prior to the game against the Carolina Panthers in the game at Lambeau Field on November 02, 2025 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)
The Green Bay Packers have gone through a lot of change this offseason already. Quite a few key players from last year’s roster have decided to leave town.
Who are those players? Some of the names include wide receiver Romeo Doubs, quarterback Malik Willis, pass rusher Rashan Gary, center Elgton Jenkins, cornerback Nate Hobbs, linebacker Quay Walker, running back Emanuel Wilson, and offensive tackle Rasheed Walker.
So far, the Packers have only replaced a couple of those players. They have signed defensive tackle Javon Hargrave and return man Skyy Moore in free agency and have also traded for linebacker Zaire Franklin.
While those three moves are quality additions, Green Bay needs to do more.
Brian Gutekunst hasn’t shown much interest in an aggressive free agency approach. The Packers seem focused on trying to preserve their compensatory draft picks for next offseason. With that in mind, the 2026 NFL Draft will be extremely important for Green Bay.
Green Bay Packers Predicted to Land Intriguing Pass Rusher
On the defensive side of the football, the Packers have a couple of clear needs. They need help at cornerback and could use another pass rusher.
Keeping that in mind, Green Bay has received a new prediction to add a defensive end.
Mark Oldacres of Packers Wire has predicted that the Packers will select Michigan defensive end Derrick Moore with the No. 52 overall pick in the second round.
“Moore has a nice blend of different tools, and although none of them are elite, he should be able to help the defense early,” Oldacres wrote. “A team captain at Michigan, he should also fit into the Packers’ culture well.”
Let’s take a closer look at what adding Moore would bring to the field for Green Bay.
What Would the Packers Be Getting If They Drafted Derrick Moore?
Standing in at 6-foot-3 and 260 pounds, Moore is coming off of a productive four-year career with the Michigan Wolverines.
Last season, Moore racked up 30 total tackles to go along with 10 sacks, two forced fumbles and three defended passes. Throughout his whole Michigan career, he totaled 95 tackles, 21 sacks, three forced fumbles, and eight defended passes.
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein has compared Moore to Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Yaya Diaby. He also provided an overview about what Moore brings to the table.
“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,” Zierlein wrote.
“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.”
At the very least, Moore is a name worth monitoring for Packers fans. He could very well be a target for Gutekunst and the front office in the second round.