The Cleveland Browns have demonstrated a serious commitment to strengthening their defense this offseason by retaining key pieces like Za'Darius Smith, Shelby Harris, and Maurice Hurst. This effort to fortify an already strong defensive lineup took another significant step forward with the addition of Michael Hall Jr., selected 54th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Hall, a Cleveland native and a product of Ohio State, brings a promising resume to the Browns. During his collegiate career with the Buckeyes, he recorded 6.0 sacks, with 1.5 sacks coming in his final year. Hall's potential has caught the eye of his new teammates, earning high praise from none other than Za'Darius Smith.
"He is different. He reminds me of Aaron Donald a little bit," Smith remarked. "Hopefully he don’t see this and get a big head. He just wants to learn. He is asking a lot of questions. If you did see during 1-on-1s, he was winning each and every rep. To have a young guy like that that just wants to continue to get better and better each and every day is big by a defensive lineman and we are happy to have him."
Smith's comparison to Aaron Donald is not handed out lightly. Donald, now retired, amassed 111.0 sacks, 24 forced fumbles, and seven fumble recoveries during his illustrious career. The Hall-Donald comparison is a testament to Hall's apparent talent and work ethic.
Hall himself recognizes the opportunity and responsibility that comes with being drafted by his hometown team. "There hasn't really been a toughest adjustment. My work ethic from before has been great. I just turned it up a notch plus-2. Staying after and getting extra work with those guys, Myles [Garrett] or Za'Darius and all them or Mo Hurst. Just being blessed to be out there with all of them," Hall stated.
The Browns' defense, under the guidance of defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, was one of the best in the NFL last season. They have continued to build on this foundation with offseason acquisitions such as Quinton Jefferson and seventh-round draft pick Jowon Briggs, adding depth and versatility. Furthermore, the signings of Dalvin Tomlinson and 2023 third-round selection Siaki Ika have solidified their defensive front.
Smith also expressed excitement about the prospect of all the defensive stars playing together. "Being with him, man, hopefully there is a package that Jim Schwartz puts in for us where all of us are in at the same time. [Hall is a] young guy, just wants to learn. He wants to be great. He is from here. He was born and raised in Cleveland so for him to be a Brown is big, too. I think last week he told me 'I got a lot of doubters and I am going to prove a lot of guys wrong.' That was big to hear that from him as a young guy."
The Cleveland Browns are poised for another strong season, opening their preseason at home against the Packers. Coming off a commendable 11-6 regular-season record, the team aims to advance further after their elimination in the wild card round against the Texans last season.
The infusion of talent and the retention of key defensive players indicate the Browns' ambition. As the new season approaches, expectations are high in Cleveland, with Michael Hall Jr.'s development and integration being a focal point for the team and its fans. The defensive unit, spearheaded by standout veterans and promising newcomers, looks set to be a force to be reckoned with.