Mike

Hall Jr.

Hall had been on the commissioner’s exempt list following a domestic violence arrest in August. He’ll be eligible to return in Week 11 against the Saints, after Cleveland’s bye week.

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.

Hall Jr. made an official visit to the Buckeyes in November, and he obviously enjoyed his time in Columbus. He also was considering schools like Auburn, Georgia and LSU; among others. In the 247Sports composite rankings, Hall Jr. ranks as the 19th ranked defensive tackle in the 2021 class.

This will be Hall’s second unofficial game visit to OSU this fall, as the 6-foot-3, 275-pound defensive tackle earlier checked in with the Buckeyes when they played Miami (OH). The stakes will be considerably higher this weekend, as Penn State will be rolling into Columbus. Auburn, Georgia and LSU are three other programs the Streetsboro, Ohio, native would like to visit upcoming. The 247Sports composite board sees Hall home as the No. 317 overall prospect in the 2021 class.