NFL Draft News: UH defensive lineman Logan Hall in heavy demand

HOUSTON, Texas — University of Houston defensive tackle Logan Hall has been in heavy demand leading up to the 2022 NFL Draft.

The 6-foot-6, 288-pound Texas native has been racking up frequent flier miles on official top-30 visits. That includes visits with the Dallas Cowboys, Houston Texans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Chicago Bears, Cincinnati Bengals, and Tennessee Titans along with additional virtual meetings, according to a league source not authorized to speak publicly.

Multiple NFL teams sent personnel to meet with Hall privately, including the Miami Dolphins, New Orleans Saints, Tennessee Titans, Philadelphia Eagles, and Washington Commanders, per a source.

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2022 NFL Draft News: Logan Hall excelled at Senior Bowl

Hall emerged as a breakout contributor last season for the Cougars. He excelled at the Senior Bowl, and he shined at the Houston Pro Day workout in front of 31 NFL teams.

Hall worked out in front of Texans general manager Nick Caserio and director of personnel James Liipfert, Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Alan Williams, Buffalo Bills executive Lake Dawson, Las Vegas Raiders scout Calvin Branch, New Orleans Saints executive C.J. Leak, New York Giants senior personnel executive Kyle O’Brien, Tennessee Titans director of college scouting Jon Salge, Minnesota Vikings director of college scouting Mike Sholiton, longtime Pittsburgh Steelers scout Mark Gorscak, and Washington Commanders executive vice president of player personnel Marty Hurney.

‘He’s going to be a first-round or second-round draft pick’

“Logan Hall when I first got here I tried to talk him into moving to tackle because he was so clumsy I thought was going to hurt people in practice because he was falling down all the time,” Houston coach Dana Holgorsen said. “He said, ‘No, I’m good.’ Then, he gained 60 pounds, matured, and turned into what I think is a first-round draft pick.

“Don’t be surprised if he isn’t drafted late in the first round like Payton Turner was. Logan did a good job today. Obviously, I was wrong. He was right. He’s going to be a first-round or second-round draft pick.”

Hall is explosive and has a growing repertoire of pass-rush moves.

He’s been graded anywhere from a late-first-round draft target by scouts to somewhere within the top 50 selections. Hall recorded 13 tackles for losses last season, including 3 for a loss against Tulane with a pair of sacks. He had 6 sacks overall.

“Logan Hall is an excellent player, a potentially great defensive lineman,” an AFC scout said. “I think he could go in the first round depending on how players come off the board, but he’s very deserving and very disruptive. I like his game a lot, and I have gotten very good reports about his character, too.”

Same school that produced Ed Oliver, Payton Turner

Hall hopes to follow former college defensive line teammates Ed Oliver and Payton Turner as the latest first-round draft pick from the Texas school.

The New Orleans Saints drafted Turner in the first round last year. There have been some comparisons between Hall and his friend, with Turner regarded as more of an edge pass rusher than Hall, who lines up inside reguarly.

Oliver is an extremely athletic defensive tackle and Outland Trophy winner. Buffalo selected him ninth overall in 2019.

“Payton is like a big brother to me, and Ed is a little older, but we’re cool,” Hall said. “We’ve had a couple conversations when he comes back to town to train. He’s a great guy and my ears are always open and trying to learn when he comes around.

“Those guys put UH on the map. They give me a lot of motivation. It proves that guys from UH can do it and play at the highest level. I want to dominate like they did. That gives me a lot of confidence.”

Hall primarily lines up inside over the guard, manhandling linemen not capable of matching his violent charge. He also lined up at defensive end and nose tackle, displaying his trademark versatility.

Hall utilizes a jab and swat, a swim move, and is fluid and fast in pursuit. Furthermore, he has the requisite strength to shove people around at the line of scrimmage. He has the speed to chase down running backs on sweeps and outside-zone runs.

Hall’s steady production

Hall finished his career with 19.5 tackles for losses (97 tackles) and 7 sacks.

A first-team All-AAC selection, Hall was a lanky 6’5″, 218 pounds in high school. He has steadily gained weight and strength. Some NFL scouts view him as a hybrid defensive tackle and defensive end.

“He’s one of the best defensive tackles I’ve ever coached,” Holgorsen said. “He’s going to play for a long time. That’s a special young man that has a bright future.”

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