Browns made one of their own the ‘happiest man in the world’ with their first pick in the 2024 NFL Draft

Cleveland Browns made the pick that made sense for them with their first selection in the 2024 NFL Draft.

With a run of defensive tackles taking place before their selected pick in the second round at pick No. 54, the Browns did not waste any time taking Ohio State DT Michael Hall Jr.

With that selection, the Browns made one of their own a very happy man with the decision.

“Yeah, anytime you get a pass rusher, Jim’s happy. And, you know, I think one of the hardest things to find are players that either can, or you project to have the ability to affect the quarterback from inside,” explained GM Andrew Berry. “Because, you know, we’re in a favorable situation where you have either Myles (Garrett) or Z (Za’Darius Smith) on the outside and they really dictate the protection for the offense. That usually means in this game, you know, the interior player opposite them is going to get the one-on-one matchup with the goal. So, guys that can convert a one-on-one into pressure on a relatively consistent basis, they have great value for this scheme, but they also have great value when paired with the best defensive player in football.”

Hall’s calling card is rushing the passer from the interior and that is why the Browns selected him, to be their 3-tech. Hall is the only developmental piece the Browns have at the position now, so it made a ton of sense for them to make the pick. Quinton Jefferson, Shelby Harris, and Maurice Hurst can both get after the passer, but they are veterans on one-year deals.

It is getting harder and harder to find play pass rushers from the middle and we’re seeing big contracts handed out to players that can do so, as if they are an edge rusher.

“I think it’s less about how they’re prioritizing the position in general and more about paying a premium for guys that can rush the passer from inside because that’s just one of the hardest skill sets to find. So players that can do that, like you said, Dan (Labbe), that’s going to be, that’s already north of a $25 million player. And so, you know, I think it’s really more that as opposed to just any defensive tackle, it’s the guys that can rush.”

The Browns got their guy in the second round at pick No. 54 and if he hits his ceiling, he will be earning one of those big paydays one day.