Ohio State defensive tackle Michael Hall Jr. is among the best interior defensive line prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft. Hall Jr. totaled 9.5 tackles for loss and 6.0 sacks across the previous two campaigns for the Buckeyes. He’s a disruptive defensive lineman.
Hall Jr. is a quick-twitched and explosive defensive lineman with legitimate pass-rush upside. The Streetsboro, Ohio native has an active red-hot motor with functional strength and strong hand-fighting abilities. Hall Jr. crosses an opposing blocker’s face with quickness and suddenness.
Several NFL teams will enter the 2024 NFL Draft market for a starting-caliber interior defender. Hall Jr. possesses an incredibly high performance ceiling. We've identified three ideal team fits for Hall Jr.
CHICAGO BEARS
The Bears recorded a 31st-ranked 30 sacks last season. Justin Jones led all interior defenders on the team in that category with just 4.5 quarterback takedowns. Jones has since signed with the Arizona Cardinals in unrestricted free agency.
I expected the Bears to enter the free-agent market for an elite interior defender such as Christian Wilkins, but that expectation didn't come to fruition. The alternative is to draft another building block at the position despite selecting Zacch Pickens and Gervon Dexter Sr. last year. General manager Ryan Poles must continue adding to the group until he lands a high-level player. Targeting Hall Jr. at No. 75 would be worthwhile.
MIAMI DOLPHINS
The Dolphins lost the aforementioned Wilkins through a four-year contract worth $110 million to the Las Vegas Raiders. Wilkins experienced a career-best season in 2023, recording a 9.0 sacks. His departure is a massive blow to the productivity of the Dolphins' defensive line.
General manager Chris Grier responded by signing a bunch of rotational defensive tackles, including Raekwon Davis, Jonathan Harris, Neville Gallimore, Benito Jones, and Teair Tart. Grier appears to be attempting to replace Wilkins with strength in numbers. The problem? None of these players have a particularly high ceiling, especially as pass rushers.
I could see the Dolphins targeting Johnny Newton or Byron Murphy II with their first-round pick. If Grier takes the No. 21 overall selection in a different direction, Hall Jr. could be shortlisted at 55.
CINCINNATI BENGALS
The Bengals lost a key cog up the middle when D.J. Reader joined the Detroit Lions. Reader had been a critical contributor dating back to 2020 and his departure requires replacement. Reader is a better run-stopper than pass rusher, but his selfless abilities had a sizable impact on Cincinnati's overall pass-rushing numbers.
Cincinnati signed a similar player in free agency, adding Sheldon Rankins via a two-year contract. Rankins produced 6.0 sacks in Houston last season, but the numbers are misleading. He previously hadn't recorded more than 3.0 sacks since 2018. I'd like to see the Bengals a better pass-rushing defensive tackle to pair with the threats (Trey Hendrickson) they have on the edge. The local connection between the Bengals and Hall Jr. could make him appealing.
