Both GM Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus have admitted where their focus will likely be when the draft begins eight days from now. They believe great teams start in the trenches. That means a heavy investment in the offensive and defensive lines. The
Chicago Bears already tipped their hand in that direction when they attempted to sign DT Larry Ogunjobi and OG
Ryan Bates to lengthy contracts.
With two picks in the 2nd round, it isn't hard to see them going offensive line and defensive line or vice versa. One name has started to emerge as a significant possibility when it comes to the latter. Someone they covet. That is Houston defensive tackle Logan Hall. Bears defensive coordinator Alan Williams
attended his pro day earlier this month. According to Justin Melo of The Draft Network, the team also hosted Hall last week for a top 30 visit.
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Hall is an interesting prospect.
He's every bit of 6'6 but has shorter 32-inch arms. That makes his projection at defensive end by some experts a bit dicey. It also might be why his coaches at Houston played him inside. Nobody can say it didn't work either. Hall broke out in 2021, racking up six sacks and 13 tackles for a loss in 12 games. Five and a half of those sacks came in the final eight games, so he got better as the season went on.
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What stands out about Hall is his intriguing mixture of size, explosiveness, power, and violent hands. He gives opposing blockers fits when he's allowed to attack up the field. It isn't a surprise the Bears would like him. He probably gives Eberflus and Williams visions of what DeForest Buckner did for them in Indianapolis. Hall isn't as gifted as the Colts All-Pro, but he still has significant potential.
Chicago Bears have reasons to still focus on that spot.
Their failure to get Ogunjobi forced them to settle for ex-Chargers veteran Justin Jones instead. While he had a solid season in 2021, nobody believes he will end up being what this defense needs as an interior pass rusher. His calling card has been a good run defender most of his career. They need more juice up front if this scheme is going to work. That is why people need to understand how probable it is defensive tackle gets addressed early in the draft.
Current projections have Hall ranked somewhere in the 40s range of top overall prospects. While this doesn't reflect the thinking of actual NFL teams, it at least indicates he is most likely to go in the 2nd round. With the 39th and 48th picks, the Chicago Bears are well-positioned to land him if the interest is as genuine as it seems.
Much depends on who is available when the time comes.
Not to mention how he performed in their interviews with him. There is no doubt Hall has the capability to start in the NFL, and this defense might be perfect for him. It would allow him to do what he does best: attack. If he can continue to refine his technique and improve his instincts, it isn't hard to see him being somebody good for 5-8 sacks every year.
