Derick Hall

Auburn EDGE

Games Watched: Alabama (2021), Penn State, Missouri

Summary: Derick Hall fits best as a 4-3 defensive end. Despite being on the smaller end, Hall is very strong which he uses to his advantage. He has a good first step and bullrush, and wins at the point of attack. He has long arms which he uses well, and his combination of traits make him a great run defender. He struggles more as a pass rusher where he often has a late start, fails to bend the edge well, and doesn’t have a developed set of counters he can go to. His contact balance during his rush is also not great.

Pros

  • Gets good drive off of the snap which he uses to convert speed to power in his bullrush
  • Utilizes his length to make first contact and disengage quickly
  • Plays with good leverage at the point of attack
  • Good closing burst to tackle ball carriers
  • Does a good job consistently setting the edge against the run

Cons

  • Can be late reacting to the snap
  • Below average hip flexibility trying to rush around the edge
  • Contact balance during his rush is not good, the slightest contact derails his rush
  • Lacks a consistent pass rush plan that is effective

Grade: Hall gets an early 3rd round grade. He has traits that show pass rushing potential, but there’s so many concerns that he’s primarily a run defender for now.