Browns selected Ohio State DT Mike Hall Jr. with the No. 54 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Once considered the 37th-ranked overall player in the 2021 recruiting class, Hall’s (6'3/290) 92nd percentile RAS paints the picture of an undersized, jittery interior defensive lineman. At just a tick under 300 pounds, Hall occupied the middle of DC Jim Knowles’ lockdown defense in Columbus for two years. He is at his best on the move, whether that is as a pass-rusher or on runs on the outside. His lack of NFL-ready size led to struggles at the point of attack, despite his plus-wingspan. Hall tracks the play like a fly ball, it’s just a bit harder when it’s coming straight at you. When he gets going to the outside, he quickly disengages and makes the play with good aim at the outside hip, though his tendency to twist down runners may indicate weakness in his core. Hall’s hand leverage is probably his calling card, allowing him to quickly disengage or manipulate blockers. If he can be more disciplined in his play, he could more effectively handle his assignments even when he gets double-teamed. In Cleveland, Hall will join a Browns defensive line graded by PFF as the NFL’s fourth worst run-stopping unit.