Houston Texans Host Rising Defensive Tackle, Draft Target Michael Hall Jr.

As the Houston Texans survey their options for defensive tackles in the NFL Draft, they will get a closer look at C.J. Stroud's former teammate Michael Hall Jr.

Nov 25, 2023; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive tackle Michael Hall Jr. (51) / Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA

The Houston Texans have spent the last two offseasons retooling their pass rush, largely through investments in edge rushers. Defensive Rookie of the Year Will Anderson Jr. and recent signings Danielle Hunter and Denico Autry give Houston one of the most dangerous trios of edge rushers in the sport and make chasing down the young quarterbacks of the AFC South that much easier.

The next step in taking the Texans' pass rush to the next level is finding synergy through an imposing interior pass rush.

Searching for one likely means taking a defensive tackle on Day 2, where Houston currently has three selections.

Nov 25, 2023; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive tackle Michael Hall Jr. (51) / Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA

A potential target in Round 2 is Ohio State’s Michael Hall Jr., who is seeing his stock rise after a strong pre-draft circuit.

According to Aaron Wilson, Hall has a visit set with the Texans, along with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Kansas City Chiefs, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, Detroit Lions, Cleveland Browns, and San Francisco 49ers.

His talent is in high demand, and for good reason. At his pro day, he showcased elite athleticism, posting a 4.78-second 40-yard dash (98th percentile for defensive tackles) along with a 33-inch vertical jump (93rd percentile).

Hall projects as a three-technique who can step in and be Sheldon Rankin’s replacement and find playing time early on. While that can largely be attributed to elite athleticism, Hall has impressive power as a pass rusher, despite some struggles against the run and a suboptimal bench press, and is one of the more nuanced technicians in the class.

The Ohio State product leverages his athleticism well and has a useful bag of counters, making him less of a project than some middle-round counterparts.

He may not play full-time from the jump, but a package of Anderson, Hunter, and Autry, and Hall on passing downs is legitimately one of the better quartets in the sport, boasting burst, technique, and versatility.

Given his dominance at the Senior Bowl and excellent pro-day showing, the Texans are inclined to take Hall with one of their second-round selections.