(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
The Cleveland Browns have a very talented defense, especially when it comes to the trenches.
Star edge-rusher Myles Garrett is the league’s reigning defensive player of the year after putting up 14 sacks and 30 quarterback hits.
At just 28 years of age, he has over 88 career sacks and is building a Hall of Fame career with the Browns.
He has a solid running mate in Pro Bowl edge-rusher Za’Darius Smith, as well as veteran teammates in defensive tackles Dalvin Tomlinson and Shelby Harris.
However, rookie defensive tackle Michael Hall Jr. has made quite an impression on older teammates such as Smith.
“He’s different, man. He reminds me of Aaron Donald a little bit,” Smith said Sunday before practice when asked his early impressions of all.
#Browns Notes: Za’Darius Smith says rookie Mike Hall Jr. reminds him of Aaron Donald.
Updated with injury report; Joel Bitonio on valuable reps with James Hudson III at LT; Z brings natural energy; more. https://t.co/kqXPdm4pJo
— Scott Petrak ct (@ScottPetrak) August 4, 2024
That is quite the comparison for the Ohio native.
A former two-time All-Big Ten defensive tackle, Hall was drafted in the second round earlier this year by Cleveland out of Ohio State.
If the former Buckeye, who recorded 4.5 sacks as a sophomore in 2022 in Columbus, can tap into some of that potential, this Browns defensive line could be a real problem.
With the experience that defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz has on his line, the youth that Hall brings could be the missing piece that unlocks the true potential of this Browns defense.
In a conference with Patrick Mahomes, Aaron Rodgers, Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, Justin Herbert, and so many other great quarterbacks, being able to rush the passer is a necessary ingredient for the best teams.
The Browns might have that, especially if Hall brings that energy each day.
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