Ohio’s BEREA On the opening night of the draft on Thursday, the Cleveland Browns were inactive and had to play the waiting game in the 2024 NFL Draft for the third year in a row without a first-round selection. However, the action started on Friday, as the Browns selected a resident of Northeast Ohio, selecting defensive tackle Michael Hall Jr. from Ohio State University with the 54th overall selection after being on the clock for the first time.

Hall, a sophomore redshirt, was born in Garfield Heights but played at Streetsboro. Hall participated in 28 games for the Buckeyes, starting 12 of them. His total tackle total was 45; he had 10 for loss, six sacks, a recovered fumble, and three quarterback hits.

The loss of Jordan Elliott in free agency left the Browns without depth at defensive tackle, but the 6-foot-3, 290-pound Buckeye will help this season.

It’s the best sensation in the world, in my opinion. I got to thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, first and foremost. Nothing is possible without him. I’m incredibly grateful to him, and I wouldn’t even be here today were it not for him giving me life,” Hall remarked. “I’m not going to give in to peer pressure as other people do. Playing in my hometown will put a lot of pressure on me since I sprint straight towards it. Even if there are a lot of expectations from many people, as a player, I still have obligations to fulfill. Anticipations. I will therefore hold myself to a very high standard and hold myself responsible.”

Regarding Hall’s draft selection, the athletic administrator for Streetsboro issued the following statement:

Both our community and the Streetsboro City School District are extremely proud of Michael and his achievements. As he makes the move to the Cleveland Browns organization, we send him our best wishes. We’re excited to watch him play for the Cleveland Browns.

Tevepaugh, Randy

Hall now joins Chris Williams, Jayden Peevy, Dalvin Tomlinson, Siaki Ika, Maurice Hurst II, Shelby Harris, and Quinton Jefferson on the Browns’ defensive interior.

In the second and third rounds of the draft on Friday, the Browns will have one more draft pick; the remaining four rounds will take place on Saturday.

The Browns’ final draft selections are as follows:

Round Three: No. 85
Fifth Round: Pick 156 (Cardinals to Eagles)
Round Six: No. 206
Round Seven: No. 227 (from the Titans)
Round Seven: No. 243