Defensive Tackle Michael Hall Jr. Brings Elite Skillset to Already Loaded Defensive Line
The Former Buckeye Has Potential to Be A Star
The Cleveland Browns had a few unique needs to address during the 2024 NFL Draft. Some included depth pieces to loaded position groups, including the defensive line. The Browns defensive tackle unit needed a fresh face and got one with Michael Hall Jr.
The newest Browns defensive tackle made big plays in the opponent’s backfield at Ohio State.
The numbers never pop out with guys at this position, but Hall Jr. possesses the frame and skills to be a disrupter of an opponent’s offensive gameplans.
At just 20 years old, Hall Jr. will have plenty of veteran experience ahead of him that will morph him into a great player. Although there is time to develop, he will be hard to keep off the field right away.
The Browns Defensive Tackle Had a Successful College Career
Michael Hall Jr. took his talents to Columbus and spent three years at Ohio State. He joined a unit that is always one of, if not the best, in the country. Ohio State has produced a plethora of defensive line talent and sent them to the league.
Hall Jr. saw limited snaps as a freshman and registered just two tackles during his debut season. However, the newly Browns defensive tackle had arguably his best season in year two. He had 19 tackles and four and a half sacks his sophomore campaign.
Welcome Home Michael Hall Jr! pic.twitter.com/4EBqsKs8zC
— Tyler Johnson (@T_johnson_TJ) April 27, 2024
His third and final collegiate year he had 24 tackles and one and a half sacks, but helped open lanes for other future NFL defensive ends. Hall Jr. was part of the reason Ohio State had the success they did and helped improve a defense that was up and down his previous two years.
Recipe For Success
Hall Jr. has the tape that features his dominant plays. He also has the physical traits and skills to thrive in a Jim Schwartz defense, which features attacking-style players and schemes. Hall Jr. is great at improvising and moving his big frame to wreak havoc for opposing offenses.
The Browns defensive tackle joins a group of quick and twitchy lineman, who are able to explode off the defensive line and disrupt plays. Hall Jr. will be asked to do the same and has the recipe for successful players ahead of him that found success in the league.
Michael Hall Jr is gonna be great for the Browns! pic.twitter.com/RE1nvI3OXd
— JR’s Rankings 🌰🅾️⭕️ (@jrs_rankings) April 27, 2024
Hall Jr. has fought through injuries throughout his playing career but has managed plenty of honors and statistics along the way. His quick feet and great hands help him overcome some of the power he may have lost through nagging wounds.
Taken at 54th in the draft, the Browns believe he is worth the pick and a great addition to a loaded defense. If Hall can continue to make an impact and show off his unique style, he can end up replacing the older guys on the defensive line and be the next great Browns pass rusher. Additionally, he will have the gift of time and resources around him to polish his game and ease his way into an impactful lineman.
Main Image: Jeff Lange – USA Today Sports
