The Browns selected DT Michael Hall Jr. With selection number 54

The Browns selected DT Michael Hall Jr. With the 54th overall pick in the second round on day two of the NFL Draft.

In his three seasons at Ohio State, Hall recorded 45 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and six sacks. His best season came during the 2023 season, where he set a career-high 24 total tackles. At the 2024 NFL Combine, Hall ranked third among defensive tackles with an athleticism score of 86.

“Ultimately it came down to talent,” Browns vice president of player personnel Glenn Cook said. “He's a really talented young man. The way I describe him is variable. The way he can move his body, the way he can attack the quarterback.”

At 20 years old, Hall brings some youth to a veteran defensive line that is the engine of the Browns' defense. The Browns brought back key players on their defensive line during free agency, re-signing DE Za'Darius Smith, DT Shelby Harris and DT Maurice Hurst II. They also added DT Quinton Jefferson in free agency to a line that was anchored by DE Myles Garrett and features DE Ogbo Okoronkwo.

“He has to earn it like everyone else. We'd love for him to do that,” Cook said. “Look, you can never have enough guys that can impact the quarterback and impact the passing game. So, he's got to once again come in and clearly integrate himself into the way we do things. Hopefully he does that.”