Baylor defensive tackle Gabe Hall has been one of the most underrated performers throughout the pre-draft process. Hall first traveled to Mobile, Alabama and put forth a great showing at the Senior Bowl. He then displayed athleticism at the NFL Combine by leaping a 31.5-inch vertical.
Hall recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network about his participation at the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine, working on his pass-rushing traits, the pre-draft meeting process, and more.
JM: I thought you were dominant at this year’s Senior Bowl. What do you think you proved to NFL GMs and scouts out there?
Gabe Hall: I think I proved I could play alongside any talent in the nation. I was dominant against the competition at the Senior Bowl. You’re going into different practices on different days, but you’re facing the same players.
You need to adjust your game and overall approach on a daily basis. I think I did a great job. I proved I’m adaptable while playing multiple positions across the defensive line. I was a great competitor out there.
JM: You sure were. You continued the pre-draft momentum by putting forth a great performance at the NFL Combine. You had a 31.5-inch vertical and ran a 5.03 40 with a 1.72 10-yard split. Were you satisfied with the overall performance?
Gabe Hall: I was pretty satisfied with the performance. Of course, there were some categories where I was hoping to do a little better. I put the time and work in. I did exactly what I needed to do out there. It’s all about moving forward now. I’ve done a great job building that momentum.
JM: You have outstanding length for the position with arms longer than 34 inches and a wingspan greater than 83 inches. How do you use that length to your advantage?
Gabe Hall: Length is a huge part of my game. God gave me those long arms and it’s very helpful when I use them (laughs). Coaches always talk about my length. My long arms may be my greatest asset. It makes it tough for offensive linemen to get their hands on me.
Pairing strength with my length makes for a very good combination. I love using those tools. When I’m working on my abilities as a pass rusher, I always work on moves that utilize my length. I’m going to continue working on that at the next level.
JM: You recorded 12.5 sacks and 16.5 tackles for loss at Baylor. Do you feel like you're a better run-stopper or pass-rusher at this point?
Gabe Hall: I feel like I’m a better pass rusher. Stopping the run is obviously very important because the better you stop the run, the better opportunity you have to rush the passer and sack the quarterback. Rushing the passer is where my heart is.
Sacking the quarterback is every defensive lineman's dream. I continue to strive to get better in that area.
JM: How would you describe your pass rush arsenal then? What are your go-to moves and counters?
Gabe Hall: Length is definitely at the forefront of my arsenal. I love the push-pull as well. The swim move is probably my best move at this point in time. I’ve also learned to work some counters off that swim move.
I’ve been down in Atlanta with a pass-rushing coach named Dez on stringing moves together. We’re working on my footwork and ensuring everything is in sync. We’re watching how NFL players rush the passer.
I’ve been working on my footwork. They have to work in sync with my hands as I’m executing these moves. That’s been a great process.
JM: That’s awesome. Have you met with any teams in recent weeks, either in person or virtually?
Gabe Hall: I’d say I’ve probably met with every NFL team at some point throughout this process. I prefer to keep the details private, but I’ve been in touch with every single team at some point. I still have more meetings and virtual calls on my schedule. It’s been a fun process.
I’ve been around some great people. I was nervous at first to see what these NFL coaches are all about (laughs). You find out they’re great people. It’s been fun to find out throughout this process.
JM: We've appreciated your time today. What kind of impact is Gabe Hall going to make at the next level?
Gabe Hall: I’m going to be an amazing teammate first and foremost. I’m going to make sure everybody feels involved on a daily basis. I’m going in with the right mindset. I want to get better every single day.
