The NFL Draft is rapidly approaching, an event that holds the potential to transform the lives of young athletes and their families. For some, this occasion may carry even greater significance. Michael Hall Jr., a defensive tackle from Ohio State University, grew up in Northeast Ohio and harbors aspirations of hearing his name called by the Cleveland Browns this week. In an exclusive interview with A to Z Sports, Hall shared his thoughts on the possibility of joining the Browns: “I mean, I feel like that’d be a great opportunity for sure,” Hall said. “Just to be able to not move and on draft day to get that call if it was the Cleveland Browns. But you know, I’m very blessed to even be in the draft. And no matter where I get picked, you know, I’m blessed to be there.”
Hall made no secret of his excitement about the prospect of being selected by the Browns. The Browns, should they desire to acquire Hall, would likely need to use their 54th overall pick in the second round. They are among several teams to have met with the Ohio State product for a top-30 visit.
Hall’s ability to generate pressure on the quarterback from the interior is an attractive attribute that draws the Browns to him. Over his final two seasons at Ohio State, Hall accumulated six sacks, including 4.5 in his sophomore year in 2022. Last year, the Browns selected Siaki Ika in the middle rounds, who shows promise as a run-stopper for the team. Beyond Ika and Dalvin Tomlinson, the Browns have handed out a few one-year contracts at defensive tackle.
Making an immediate impact in the NFL as a defensive tackle is challenging. The Browns do not anticipate Hall to be more than a rotational player in his rookie season. The Browns have an opportunity to bring Hall’s journey full circle by selecting him with the 54th pick. Only time will tell if they will seize this chance.
