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The New Orleans Saints drafted Iowa Cornerback TJ Hall with the 219th pick of the NFL Draft in the seventh round. Coming into the NFL Draft, cornerback was viewed as a major need for the New Orleans Saints. The team currently only has two proven options on the roster in Kool-Aid McKinstry and Quincy Riley. However, possibly they will also add some veterans soon.
Hall played four seasons and the University of Iowa. He totaled 75 combined tackles, 2 interceptions, and 12 pass deflections. He has traits that NFL coaches will adore especially his commitment to stopping the run.
Draft Analysts View TJ Hall as a Good Value in the Seventh Round
GettyHall graded out as a late day three prospect, so the Saints found him in a proper area of the draft.
PFF ranked Hall as the 220th overall prospect in the NFL Draft. He received good grades as a starter last season. He earned a 74.4 coverage grade and a 88.2 run defense grade. His tested as a better defender in zone coverage (73.9) than in man coverage (61.1).
Dane Brugler of the Athletic ranked Hall as the 24th best cornerback in the NFL Draft and gave him a 6th round grade. Brugler noted how much coaches will love Hall’s ability in run defense and that he has overcome injuries throughout his career to be a consistent starter as a junior and senior.
Brugler said, “Hall has only average long speed, and his lack of anticipation leaves interceptions on the field, but his competitiveness will translate well in both coverage and run defense. His best pro fit might be in Cover 2/3 looks.”
TJ Hall Athletic Profile
GettyHall graded out as an average corner in terms of athleticism.
Hall earned a 5.32 RAS Score after testing at the NFL Combine and Iowa Pro Day. He has a decent size (just over 6 feet) and weight (between 188 and 189 lbs). Hall also tested well in the explosion drills with a 36” vertical jump and a 10’1” broad jump. Hall faltered in the speed and agility drills though. He only ran a 4.59 40 yard dash, a 2.68 20 yard split, and a 1.62 10 yard split. His shuttle cone was completed in 4.19 seconds and his three cone was completed in 7.19 seconds.
Chris Lewis is a freelance sports writer based in Gig Harbor, Washington. He focuses on NFL, MLB (with an emphasis on the Mariners), and professional golf. More about Chris Lewis