Browns NFL draft: This Michael Hall stat, along with film, should excite fans for 2024

When a prospect is selected in the NFL by a playoff team with high aspirations it is for one of three reasons:

• Fill a huge need
• Fill a specific role
• Planning for the future

For the Cleveland Browns, who haven’t had a first or second-round pick in a couple of seasons, DT Michael Hall Jr. doesn’t fit the first category but, hopefully, is able to fit into the second two. Browns GM Andrew Berry has mostly planned ahead with his recent drafts but Hall is not limited to the future.

From Cleveland to Columbus and back, Hall joins a loaded Browns depth chart at defensive tackle. While the rookie from Ohio State might not find a ton of snaps in 2024, his role is very clear: Penetrate.

Thankfully, the film shows his ability to do just that. Just one example:

The stat that should excite fans is just how quickly Hall is able to get pressure:

Hall compares well to a number of interior defensive linemen from his class. While he doesn’t have the pressure rate of Byron Murphy II, selected in the middle of the first round, he was able to get to the quarterback quicker than anyone else.

In today’s NFL, quick interior pressure is the most valuable skill on defense. It disrupts everything that is going on and makes things easier on defensive ends and coverage players. Hall’s ability to do so alongside Dalvin Tomlinson and with Myles Garrett, Za’Darius Smith and/or Ogbo Okoronkwo coming off the edge should spell trouble for opposing offenses.

While Cleveland doesn’t need Hall to play many snaps, his ability to penetrate and get to the quarterback could see him being very impactful in 20 or fewer opportunities a game. In the middle of the second round, that would be a big win in 2024.

Are you surprised at how quickly Hall gets penetration compared to others in his class?