Defensive Tackle
NFL Network’s Cynthia Frelund highlighted two defensive tackles in the latest episode of Draft on Tap, discussing Ohio State’s Michael Hall Jr. and LSU’s Maason Smith.
Hall played three seasons at OSU where he finished with 45 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss and six sacks. He also recorded one fumble recovery. His best season came during the 2023 season, as he set a career high of 24 total tackles.
“Interior defenders are an interesting puzzle to solve yet again in this year’s draft. One that could be a target for the Browns: OSU’s Michael Hall Jr.,” Frelund said. “Hall Jr.’s burst – which is his acceleration when the ball is snapped – was the third-fastest among all Power 5 DTs on the field last season for the Buckeyes. The 6-foot-3, 290-pounder ran a 4.78 40-yard dash in Columbus at his Pro Day, a time that tied the fastest at the position from the combine.”
Smith missed all but one game of the 2022 season with an injury, but recorded 47 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks and two passes defended in his three seasons at LSU.
“Maason Smith – the 6-foot-6, over 300-pounder from LSU – has some special traits that this team could be well-positioned to make the most of,” Frelund said. “After an ACL tear in 2022, he played over 580 total snaps last season, and was impactful as a pass rusher with 20 pressures on 345 pass rush snaps, per PFF.”
Another player who could be in the range for the Browns and a potential fit is Kris Jenkins. In four years at Michigan, Jenkins tallied 113 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, one interception and one fumble recovery. He is a strong run defender and ranked sixth among defensive tackles at the combine with an athleticism score of 83.
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