DeAngelo

Hall

Hall had interviewed with the Raiders a few years ago after his retirement, but had been doing TV with the NFL Network the last few years. Hall played with the Falcons, Raiders, and Commanders during a 14-year playing career. Frank Reich and Scott Fitterer have been adding a lot of talented and smart voices to the coaching staff this offseason. This will be Hall’s first coaching job at any level.

Hall may be held out of Atlanta’s preseason finale, but he should be the opening week starter. The No. 8 overall pick has enjoyed a solid preseason.

The first-round pick believes he’ll be ready by October 24th. Atlanta coaches believe the 31st or November 14th, after the Falcons bye, is more likely.

The #8 pick in the draft will play in nickel packages. Expect him to start soon enough.

Hall has now missed four days of training camp. His agent is hitting town soon, so a deal looks imminent.

On the bright side, WR Michael Jenkins, QB Matt Schaub, RB Quincy Wilson, and DT Chad Lavalais are nearly certain to finalize contracts today.

After missing half his rookie year with a hip injury, the Falcons were holding their breath. No structual damage was revealed. Hall is easily the most talented player in Atlanta’s secondary.

It looks like the hip injury he suffered last week is minor.

ESPN is already throwing out numbers, years, and guarantees, but this deal was never certain to happen. Hall reportedly spent four and a half hours with Al Davis Wednesday night, only to leave the bargaining room without an agreement. He did stay in Alameda overnight and is continuing talks today.

The sides were discussing a 2008 sixth in place of the ’09 fifth, but Al Davis wanted Hall bad and Atlanta got its upgrade, albeit next year. Hall, 24, has the skills to be an elite corner, but tends to lose focus and control of his temper. He can be beat deep. The Raiders may be kicking themselves shortly for not giving this money to Nnamdi Asomugha, a far superior all-around player. Asomugha isn’t one to complain, but this likely won’t go over well with him.