With the next pick: LB Derick Hall

With the next pick: LB Derick HallWith the next pick: LB Derick Hall

AUBURN, Ala. – When Auburn's 2022 football season ended, Derick Hall transitioned into the next phase of journey to the National Football League.

Senior Bowl, NFL Combine, Pro Day. All opportunities to impress his future employer, on and off the field. 

"Enjoying the process," Hall said after working out on Auburn's Pro Day on March 21. "Trying to put my best foot forward. It's really all I can do. Don't get to anxious, just wait and enjoy the process and see where I end up. I'm very pleased with my performance in all three of those events."

Hall's consistent, high-level production on the Plains positioned the three-year edge rush starter to be selected in the early rounds of the 2023 NFL Draft, which starts Thursday, April 27 in Kansas City, Missouri.

"It counts a lot," Hall said of his four seasons in the SEC. "When you have a lot of film guys know what you can do. You can be the best workout person ever but you also have to be able to produce on that field. I feel like I've done everything I can do and it's definitely going to be beneficial for me."

Hall will return to his hometown of Gulfport, Mississippi, for the draft, awaiting the life-changing call.

"I have a venue with my family, a whole lot of friends, people who have been there along the way supporting me," he said.  "Every kid wants to see their name called and have their name come across that screen, especially on Thursday, the first night.

"Hopefully, that dream comes true for me. Wherever I get picked, I'll be excited to go to work and put my best foot forward to help the team be successful, but Thursday night would be very special."

After all the interviews, drills and measurements, Hall is at peace, knowing he's done everything within his power to give teams a reason to invest early in him.

"My heart is full of joy," said Hall, a team captain last season who earned coaches' First Team All-SEC honors. "The hard part is over, to be able to showcase my talent and versatility. I'm content.   
"It still hasn't hit me. When it comes, I'll probably shed a few tears and take it all in because this is a dream come true. Not many guys get this opportunity."

A stellar example of the principle that if you love Auburn, Auburn will love you back, Derick Hall takes with him to the NFL the appreciation and admiration of a fanbase that watched him represent its institution with class from day one.

"I'll forever be indebted to this place," Hall said. "My mom dropped me off here as a 17-year-old boy and I just turned 22 leaving out on Pro Day. This place has been great for me and my family. We're looking forward to coming back every opportunity we get."


 NFL Combine
40-yard dash: 4.55 seconds
Bench press: N/A
Vertical jump: 33.5"
Broad jump: 10' 7"

 

Draft Analysis
I have a first-round grade on Hall. He's big, thick, chiseled, decently bendy and, while they could improve, has pass-rush moves in the holster. He sets a nasty edge and his motor constantly hums. Then, at the combine, we discovered he was an elite-level athlete for the position. He's a plug-and-play outside rusher with serious upside.

- Chris Trapasso, CBS (@ChrisTrapasso)
 Signature Moment
In the 2021 Iron Bowl, Derick Hall helped put the brakes on an explosive offense by recording a career-high three sacks, 3.5 TFL and six tackles. Hall helped keep an offense that averaged 44 points per game out of the end zone until the final minute of regulation, including a sack on fourth-and-2 that gave the Tigers possession with a 10-0 lead in the fourth quarter, and another sack on third-and-goal that forced a field goal.