The Baltimore Ravens head into the 2026 offseason with a clear mission: rebuild a defense that’s lost its bite. There’s still elite talent on the roster, no question-but the depth and consistency just haven’t been there, especially up front. Under new head coach Jesse Minter, the Ravens are expected to shift their focus toward retooling that side of the ball, and if there’s one area that demands immediate attention, it’s the pass rush.
Let’s not sugarcoat it-Baltimore’s pass rush was virtually non-existent in 2025. The Ravens managed just 30 sacks all season, tied for third-worst in the league.
That kind of production puts a ton of pressure on the secondary, and it showed. Quarterbacks had too much time, and even the best coverage units can’t hold up forever.
Minter will need to find someone who can consistently collapse the pocket, ideally to pair with promising rookie outside linebacker Mike Green. But beyond a starting-caliber edge rusher, this group needs depth-rotational juice that can keep the pressure coming in waves.
Enter Derrick Moore, a name that’s starting to gain real traction in draft circles. The Michigan edge rusher-and Baltimore native, no less-just wrapped up a strong college career with the Wolverines, finishing with 21 sacks over four years, including a breakout 10-sack campaign in 2025. He’s the kind of high-upside prospect who could be a natural fit for what the Ravens are trying to build.
Scouting Derrick Moore: What He Brings to the Table
Vitals:
- Height: 6'3"
- Weight: 254 lbs
- Recruiting background: 4-star recruit in 2022, ranked No. 94 nationally, No. 14 among defensive linemen, and No. 2 in Maryland.
Moore’s game is built around a powerful blend of speed and strength. He’s got the kind of first-step quickness that jumps off the tape, and he knows how to turn that into power.
When he’s on, Moore crashes the pocket with authority, making life miserable for quarterbacks. He’s also a reliable tackler in space, which is a big plus in today’s game where edge defenders are often asked to chase down mobile QBs or track plays to the sideline.
One of the most encouraging traits Moore shows is his ability to bend the edge. That’s a skill you can’t teach-quick feet, flexibility, and timing all have to come together.
He consistently beats offensive tackles to their landmarks, and when he wins early in the rep, he finishes. He’s also versatile enough to be moved around the defensive line, and Michigan used him effectively on stunts to create confusion and mismatches.
Where He Needs to Grow
But Moore’s far from a finished product. Right now, he’s heavily reliant on his speed and bull rush.
When those don’t work, he doesn’t have a reliable Plan B. He’s still learning how to use his hands effectively to shed blocks, and his counter moves just aren’t there yet.
That’s especially apparent in the run game-he flashes effort and motor, but struggles to disengage and collapse running lanes. Offensive linemen who anchor well and play with good technique can neutralize him.
Moore’s development will hinge on refining his pass rush plan. He’s got the tools-size, length, explosiveness-but he needs to become more technical and nuanced. That’s where coaching will be critical.
NFL Comparison: Derick Hall
There’s a lot of Derick Hall in Moore’s game. Hall, now with the Seahawks, came out of Auburn with similar traits: explosive off the line, strong bull rush, but a limited pass rush arsenal.
Like Moore, Hall showed flashes against the run but wasn’t a consistent factor. Hall’s development in the NFL has been steady, and Moore could follow a similar path if he lands in the right system.
Draft Projection: Early 3rd Round
Moore projects as an early Day 2 pick-likely somewhere in the early third round. That’s the sweet spot for teams looking to bet on upside without the pressure of a first-round investment.
For the Ravens, he could be a perfect fit. Minter, a defensive-minded head coach, would have the opportunity to mold Moore into a disruptive force off the edge.
And with Baltimore’s need for both a starter opposite Mike Green and rotational depth, Moore could carve out a role early while developing into something more.
The Ravens don’t need to overhaul their entire defense-but they do need to reload in key spots. If they can unlock Moore’s potential, they might just find themselves with another homegrown pass rusher who can wreak havoc in the AFC North for years to come.