by J.T. Toth
Photo courtesy of Cleveland.com.
The NFL Draft talk never ends, and we are here at Draft 412 in an effort to keep you ready for the next set of gridiron stars. From today until draft night 2024, we will bring you mocks, profiles, team needs, and everything else related to the 2024 NFL Draft.
Today’s Spotlight - Ohio State, DT, Michael Hall Jr.
Name- Michael Hall, Jr.
Pos- DT
Team- Ohio State
HT/WT- 6’2” 290 lbs
Born- 6/13/2003
Home – Akron, OH
Mike Hall Jr. starred at Streetsboro High School in Ohio and was rated a 4-star recruit by both ESPN and 247Sports. At the time, he was considered the #54 overall prospect in the country and picked Ohio State over many different D-1 offers.
In 2021, Hall redshirted at Ohio State after only playing in 4 games for the Buckeyes. The following season, he played in 11 games and ended the campaign with 16 pressures, 7 QB hurries, 4 QB hits and 5 sacks.
Hall has a quick first step and violent fist punch, striking opponents to gain leverage. He attacks with a wide base and plays low, making it tough for offensive linemen to find leverage on him. He’s a hard worker and is effective in running down ball carriers from behind. Hall diagnoses plays quickly and takes good angles to the ball.
As a defensive lineman, Hall has the physical strength to occupy space along the line and fill gaps, often freeing up linebackers to help in the run game. His hand mechanics help him work well in traffic and he’s one of the better three-point pass rushers in the class.
Though strong, Hall has issues breaking through double teams. His short arms hinder him at times, and lingering shoulder problems affected him all last season. He needs to make sure this is not a long term problem.
Hall has a nonstop motor, and his body type and style of play can be compared to former UCLA Bruins and Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa.
Strengths
Violent punch
Low base to the ground
Non-stop motor; hard worker
Good angles
Weaknesses
Short arms
Injury concerns
Double teams are tough for him to fight through
Final Analysis
Michael Hall Jr. is one of the best pass rushers from the three-point stance in this class and creates pressure up the middle on opposing quarterbacks. His play this year will dictate whether he projects as a mid “day 2” or high “day 3” pick.
Prediction - Round 3