Plainsmen Predictions: Momma Hall says the Saints should call

Derick Hall should absolutely be a lock for round one

Happy Draft Month to all who celebrate! Which is probably just me and a few other football obsessed fans who frequent Pro Football Focus. However, as much as I’ve enjoyed reading mock drafts, if I see one more that doesn’t put some respect on Auburn’s big man from the middle line, I’ll be as sick as a blue blood looking at the Final Four this past year. 

So let’s do it ourselves and take a look at where Derick Hall should go. And yes, it should be round one. 

Grayson Belanger/AU Athletics

TOP FIT: Kansas City Chiefs, Round 1, pick 31

Mock draft guru Mel Kiper has made this pick before, and it's easy to see why. Andy Reid's squad ranked 1st in 2022 in total offense and scoring touchdowns, which means the defense saw plenty of time on the field. Steve Spagnuolo's answer is pressure up front, which saw Chris Jones rack up 15 sacks last season. 

The guy next to Jones, 3 time Pro-Bowler Frank Clark, was released, which would leave a spot open for another athletic pass-rusher to fill his shoes. Hall would fit Spagnuolo's scheme and would force attention away from Jones as the Chiefs pursue their fourth Super Bowl win in franchise history. Wideout is another popular pick for the defending champs, but Reid can make magic with anyone at the position, so I expect defense to be the focus, and Hall should fall right into their laps at the end of day one.  

ALSO CONSIDER: Cincinnati Bengals, Round 1, pick 28

Speaking of the Chiefs, they have a new thorn in their side not named Tom Brady. Joe Burrow has elevated the Bengals to new heights as they're an expected contender in the AFC race every year now. 

Burrow does not play defense however, and if Zac Taylor ever wants to bring the Lombardi to the Queen City he'll need to shore up a defense that lacks some serious star power. The Orlando Brown Jr signing fixed the offensive line problems, and after bringing in Irv Smith Jr at the TE spot, they can add some muscle to a defensive line that hasn't been as solid since another former Auburn star- Carl Lawson- left in free agency. 

WILD CARD: New Orleans Saints, Round 1, pick 29

This one’s for momma Hall. 

When I covered the Reese's Senior Bowl this past year, I had the pleasure of running into Derick Hall's family as his mother Stacy Gooden-Crandle cheered him on with some of the biggest smiles in Mobile that rainy afternoon. Spending ten seconds around their contagious joy, it was easy to see why he'll go down as one of Auburn's most beloved Plainsman. I asked her where she would like to see her son play and the answer was the New Orleans Saints, since it's the closest to his home state of Mississippi. 

So, here goes. 

Not like it's a difficult mock to make. Thanks to the Broncos sending a pick for Sean Payton, the Saints are back in the first round. After seemingly closing the revolving door at quarterback with the Dereck Carr signing, and assuming Michael Thomas isn't released and continues to play alongside Chris Olave and Kamara, defense should be the focus. The defensive line is the Cam Jordan show so far, so another elite pass rusher will be needed so coach Dennis Allen's secondary unit isn't running around all day. New Orleans tends to go best player available if they can't get their immediate fix in the first round, but Hall has a chance to be both for them this year. 

Whoever takes the former Gulfport High School standout and Auburn team captain would be wise to do so soon. It would be surprising to see him escape the first round, but if he does, SOME team will be getting the steal of their lives. 

BONUS: For the full interview with Stacy Gooden-Crandle, check it out below to find out her son's favorite hymn to sing in church and what the draft process has been like for the whole family and more! Thanks to my fellow writer Matthew Jacobs for throwing the video together. Enjoy!

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