The Detroit Lions are officially locking in their future, having signed three of their seven rookie draft picks as they gear up for the upcoming season. The newest additions to the roster are defensive linemen Derrick Moore, Skyler Gill-Howard, and Tyre West—each bringing unique skills to strengthen the team's defensive front.
Leading the pack is Derrick Moore, a second-round pick (No. 44 overall) out of Michigan. The Lions traded up six spots to grab him, and it's easy to see why. Moore posted a career-high 10 sacks last season, and he's expected to compete for a rotational role at defensive end this fall. His deal, reported by KPRC-TV in Houston, is fully guaranteed and valued at around $11.5 million, including a $4.9 million signing bonus.
Next up is Skyler Gill-Howard, selected in the sixth round (No. 205 overall) from Texas Tech. After starting six games for the Red Raiders last season, Gill-Howard will battle for a backup job at defensive tackle. His journey is a testament to perseverance—he began his college career at Upper Iowa, moved on to Northern Illinois for three seasons, and finished strong at Texas Tech despite missing the second half of last year with an ankle injury. His contract is worth approximately $4.65 million, with a $267,928 signing bonus.
Rounding out the trio is Tyre West, a seventh-round pick (No. 222 overall) from Tennessee. Known for his ability to pressure the quarterback, West notched 10 sacks over 48 collegiate games and will compete for a role as a sub-package pass rusher. His deal is valued at $4.55 million, including a $170,228 signing bonus.
The Lions made a clear statement in this year's draft: after selecting Clemson right tackle Blake Miller with their first-round pick (No. 17 overall), they invested heavily in defense, using five of their final six selections to shore up that side of the ball. All rookies sign slotted four-year contracts, with first-round picks having a fifth-year option and fully guaranteed deals.
As the Lions continue to build their roster, these signings signal a commitment to depth and competition—especially in the trenches. Fans can expect to see Moore, Gill-Howard, and West battling for snaps this fall, bringing fresh energy to a defense on the rise.