2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Gabe Hall (DL – Baylor)

FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at Baylor defensive lineman Gabe Hall.

2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Gabe Hall

Gabe Hall (DL – Baylor)

6’6″ – 287 lbs.

Background:

Gabe Hall was a three-star recruit who rotated in lightly in 2019 and barely at all in 2020 before taking over a starting role midway through the 2021 season, finishing the year with an 18-7.0-5.0 line. He recorded 37-5.5-4.5 the following season and then posted 17-3.5-2.0 in 2023 to conclude his collegiate career.

Positives:

Tall, long-limbed three-year starter who typically played the three-technique role on Baylor’s defensive line. Has a pretty flexible build with good knee-bend. Fires out of his stance with some explosiveness. Uses swims and rips to try and penetrate to disrupt rushing downs. Active with his hands and does a pretty good job of getting extension. Flashes the ability to two-gap effectively in the run game; does a good job of locating the ball and has enough power in his hands to shed blocks and make stops. Lower body strength is above average, allowing him to hold the point of attack when run at. High-motor player who brings it on a snap-to-snap basis; works hard to pursue out to the sidelines. Above-average range. Plays with urgency on passing downs as well. Good athlete for the position and looks fast when running stunts or twists. Gets his hands up to contest passing lanes.

Negatives:

Frame is probably better suited to a five-technique. Pad level can be high as a result of his above-average height. Doesn’t have a major element of physicality to his game; would be nice to see him work his bull rush much more consistently to reset the line of scrimmage in the run game or collapse the pocket on passing downs. Penetration-first approach can sometimes undermine the team’s run fits. For a thinner defensive lineman, he doesn’t knife through gaps as effectively as anticipated. Can struggle to protect his legs. More active with his hands than sophisticated as a technician; doesn’t always look like he has a clear plan. Lacks a repertoire of counters and is a bit too reliant on getting penetration with his first step.

Summary:

A tall, long-limbed defender with above-average athleticism, active hands and a strong motor. His game in school mostly revolved around trying to use his first step to knife through gaps using rip and swim moves. However, he is probably a little bit better suited to two-gapping — has the length and lower-body strength to lock out blockers and hold the point of attack. Furthermore, may be better suited to playing the five-technique on a three-man line, which would better suit his tall frame. A tools-based prospect who could get some consideration in the mid-to-late rounds.

Projection: Round 5/Round 6