Senior Bowl Spotlight: Derrick Moore and Day 2 edge option for Bears

As the Chicago Bears continue to build a defense rooted in youth, athleticism, and long-term upside, the next logical step is adding more power and reliability off the edge.

While Montez Sweat delivered what the front office hoped for as a tone-setter amassing 12 sacks (64 pressures), and Austin Booker remains an intriguing developmental piece, the group still needs another body that can play real snaps early while growing into a more complete pass rusher.

Bears have draft day options from Senior Bowl

Derrick Moore arrived in Mobile with the kind of reputation that often follows Michigan defenders: big-framed, technically sound, and built to handle NFL trench work.

At 6-foot-3 and north of 250 pounds, Moore looks the part of an early-down edge defender the moment he steps off the bus. Throughout practice week, he consistently held his ground against the run, setting a firm edge and showing the kind of play strength that translates immediately on Sundays.

For a Bears defense that values gap integrity and physicality up front, that matters.

What stood out most during one-on-ones wasn’t elite bend, but Moore’s ability to generate displacement with his hands. He won reps by converting speed to power, locking out tackles, and collapsing pockets rather than running around blocks. Check out this rep:

That skill set fits well in a rotation where Sweat commands attention and Booker can be deployed more selectively as he continues to refine his game, because Moore doesn’t need to be a 10-sack player early to justify a Day 2 investment; he needs to be dependable, physical, and assignment-sound.

There’s also upside still to unlock. Moore’s pass-rush plan is relatively narrow right now, relying heavily on power and effort. That’s not a criticism so much as an opportunity.

With NFL coaching, improved counters, and better sequencing, there’s room for his sack production to climb. More importantly, he plays with a high motor and doesn’t disappear late in reps, traits that often separate rotational contributors from long-term starters.

In Chicago’s evolving defensive structure, Moore profiles as a player who can step into early-down snaps right away and grow alongside a young core that’s still taking shape.

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While he won’t be the most explosive edge rusher on the board, for a Bears team prioritizing toughness, versatility, and sustainable development, the Michigan product feels like a very on-brand Day 2 target from this Bears front office.