Steelers’ Mike Tomlin Is Very Focused On Ohio State DT Michael Hall Jr. At Senior Bowl

The Pittsburgh Steelers are in the midst of an offseason that holds significant weight in determining the future of the franchise. With a new offensive coordinator, Arthur Smith on board, the team's offensive side is in transition. However, it's the defensive side of the ball that currently has been the center of attention for Head Coach Mike Tomlin during the Senior Bowl.

Steelers' Mike Tomlin Is On A Scouting Mission

As the offseason unfolds, Tomlin's primary focus has honed in on the Senior Bowl, with a keen emphasis on the defensive lineman drills at the event. According to Dane Brugler, an NFL Draft analyst for The Athletic, Tomlin has been closely monitoring the prospects, with a particular interest in a standout player: Michael Hall Jr., a defensive tackle from Ohio State.

“Steelers HC Mike Tomlin is locked in on these DL drills, specifically DT Michael Hall. He’s chatted Hall up after each rep.”

Hall stands tall at 6'2" and weighs in at 280 pounds. His journey as a Buckeye spanned three seasons, where he showcased his skills as a formidable defensive presence. In his most recent season, he notched one and a half sacks, two tackles for loss, and 24 tackles. The year before, he recorded 19 tackles and an impressive four and a half sacks. 

Despite initial hopes for a more productive season, especially following his impressive four and a half sack year prior, Hall didn't seem to make the expected leap. Reports even indicated that his coaches were taken aback by his decision to declare for the draft after the season he had. However, it appears that the gamble he took on himself is paying off, as his draft stock is on the rise during the Senior Bowl drills.

NFL scout Matt Holder of Bleacher Report evaluates Hall as a promising talent, projecting him as a third-round pick with a grade of 7.2. That falls into the category of "High-Level Backup/Potential Starter — 3rd Round." Hall's performance at the combine could potentially boost his stock even higher.

While Hall's most recent season with the Buckeyes may not have been his best, his Senior Bowl drills have been turning heads. His combination of explosiveness and fluidity, rare for an interior defensive lineman, has not gone unnoticed. College Sports Wire reported that one NFL scout expressed his admiration for what Hall's been doing at the Senior Bowl.

“You just don’t see that combination of explosiveness and fluidity from an interior defensive lineman too often. It is going to be hard for a team to pass him up twice. I don’t think he gets out of the top 50 in April.”

As the Steelers look to bolster their defensive line, Hall's performance at the Senior Bowl has garnered the attention of Tomlin. While Hall may be slightly undersized for an interior defensive lineman, his exceptional explosiveness sets him apart. The Steelers are in the market for talented defensive linemen to fortify their trenches, and Hall could very well find himself drafted by the Steelers should the opportunity present itself.

While on-field production at the college level is undeniably important, scouting a potential draftee involves more than just statistics. Sometimes, factors such as playing for a high-profile school or being surrounded by a plethora of talented teammates, as in the case of the Buckeyes, can impact individual production. 

However, it's crucial to remember that statistics don't always tell the full story, and a player's draft potential goes beyond numbers. In Hall's case, his intangible qualities have clearly captured the attention of scouts and coaches, even if his production may not fully reflect his potential. 

In a crucial offseason for the Steelers, Tomlin's keen eye on potential defensive talent at the Senior Bowl suggests that the team is making deliberate moves to secure its future. Hall's remarkable performance during the Senior Bowl drills has elevated his draft stock, making him a compelling prospect for the Steelers as they seek to reinforce their defensive line and build a foundation for success in the coming seasons.

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