As the NFL season winds down, FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL draft scouting reports before the combine in March. Here’s a look at Derick Hall.
Check out all of our 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Reports & Prospect Profiles 
2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Derick Hall (DE – Auburn)
6’3″ – 256 lbs.
Background:
Four-star prospect who rotated into the defense for 198 and 358 snaps in his freshman and sophomore years, respectively, with a combined total of 34-5.5-4.0. Stepped into the starting lineup as a junior and broke out to the tune of 52-12.5-9.0, adding 25 pressures per PFF. Senior campaign was pretty similar, with 60-11.5-6.5.
Positives:
Two-year starter who’s been able to produce for a major program. Strongly-built defender with good weight distribution; usually takes snaps out of a two-point stance. Plays the game with toughness and physicality. Very impressive contact balance and functional strength for his size. Two-gaps very effectively in the run game. Able to square his shoulders, anchor and flow toward the ball in the run game. Gets adequate extension and has heavy hands to shed. Plays with a low pad level and is capable of walking back opposing tackles with his bull rush; excellent leg drive after contact. Good placement with the straight arm. Nice rip move and shoulder dip to win around the edge. Chains move together well and does a pretty good job of varying his rush approach. Athletic enough to make limited drops into coverage or carry back into the flat.
Negatives:
Official measurements may impact draft stock; height and length are closer to average. Not always one of the first players to react to the ball being snapped. Explosiveness is solid but not elite. Power-based rusher who has some feel for setting up opposing blockers but doesn’t have the most suddenness to penetrate. Doesn’t have the most lower-body flexibility when bending the edge; some balance issues crop up when trying to speed rush from wide alignments. Some rushes take him too far upfield, undermining the integrity of Auburn’s run fits. Some awareness issues when playing the run. Gives good effort in pursuit but isn’t fast enough to chase down some ball carriers from the backside.
Summary:
One of the most pro-ready edge defenders in this year’s class, combining a thick build, excellent functional strength and contact balance. Can either bull-rush or rip his way into the backfield, traits which could allow him to contribute early in his career. May not have quite as high a ceiling as some of the other edge defenders in the class, but should be able to carve out a long, productive career modeled on players like Brandon Graham, LaMarr Woodley and Tamba Hali.
Projection: Rounds 1-2
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | SoundCloud | iHeartRadio
