Michael Hall to Browns in NFL draft: Instant grade, analysis, stats for 54th pick
The Browns had a top need on defense, so they used their first pick of the 2024 NFL draft to address it. They selected Ohio State defensive tackle and Streetsboro High School graduate Mike Hall Jr. in the second round (54th overall) Friday night. Below is our instant draft grade. It would be absurd to render a rapid judgment on Hall. One of the greatest football coaches of all time, Bill Belichick, recently said he's always graded a player on what he's projected to become in his second year as a pro. So this grade is an evaluation of Hall's fit with the Browns and their strategy, not his talent.
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Ohio State defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. to Browns NFL draft grade: Instant reaction
Grade: B+
Why: Fans of logic should love this choice because defensive tackle had been the Browns' most glaring need entering the draft. Hall is known for his abilities as an interior pass rusher, and defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz didn't have a D-tackle quite like Hall in his Cleveland arsenal. At 6-foot-2¾ and 290 pounds, Hall isn't a mammoth run-stopping defender, but he should give Schwartz the "Ferrari" the coach seeks at the position.
The Browns didn't have a first-round pick for the third consecutive year because of their March 2022 trade for quarterback Deshaun Watson. The lack of a Round 1 pick is primarily why General Manager Andrew Berry views this year's draft as a way to acquire contributors for the 2025-27 seasons, not necessarily for 2024. Given the philosophy, the Browns should have the luxury of developing the 20-year-old Hall without rushing him.
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At the same time, the Browns don't have a surefire starter to pair with their top defensive tackle, Dalvin Tomlinson. Quinton Jefferson, Maurice Hurst II, Shelby Harris and 2023 third-round pick Siaki Ika are also on the D-tackle depth chart. If Hall can give the Browns a boost right away, it would be a bonus. In three seasons with the Buckeyes, Hall compiled 45 tackles, 10 for loss and six sacks.
The Browns had to sift through several trade calls in the buildup to going on the clock at No. 54 overall, assistant GM Glenn Cook revealed, yet Hall's upside enticed them to stick and pick instead of moving down the board. He may need to gain some weight and has battled nagging injuries. Still, on paper, this selection makes a lot of sense.
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Mike Hall Jr. NFL draft grade: Instant analysis of Browns' pick
