Buffalo Bills 2021 NFL Draft Prospects to Know: DB Darren Hall
The Buffalo Bills and general manager Brandon Beane are taking a serious interest in draft prospect Darren Hall out of San Diego State University. The defensive back has reportedly met virtually with the Bills twice and could be a Day 3 target for the team. Let’s take a closer look at Darren Hall and how he might fit with the Buffalo Bills.
Measurables/Stats
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 188 pounds
Arms: 30.625″
Hands: 8.875″
Darren Hall played in 32 games over four seasons with San Diego State University however 30 of those games came over the past three seasons. He finished with 134 total tackles, 8.5 tackles for a loss, 3.5 sacks, six interceptions, and 25 passes defended.
In 2019, as a redshirt sophomore he had an impressive 16 passes defended but this past season he showed more of an ability to turn those passes defended into interceptions with three in only eight games.
NFL.com Scouting Report by Lance Zierlein
"Hall plays with inconsistent technique but a natural feel for making a play on the football. He lacks restraint and has head-first play qualities that create risk-reward in coverage. He loses positioning when trailing routes and is missing top-end speed to keep from being stacked by talented targets. However, his timing and accuracy to affect the catch-point offers hope that he can improve his technique. That said, he has limitations that might push him toward a zone-based defense where he can focus on playing downhill both in coverage and with plus run support."
Highlights
How he fits with the Buffalo Bills
The limitations that Lance Zierlein notes in his scouting report fit exactly what the Buffalo Bills could use at the position. Their defensive scheme under Sean McDermott leans more towards zone coverage and this certainly would play towards Darren Hall’s strengths. He could also be an asset in run defense and is not afraid of contact.
If the Buffalo Bills were to draft him, he would likely have a chance to compete for the starting job but would realistically be at least a season away. He would need some time to develop and learn the position more before he could be considered a starter for this team.
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This would also be an indication that the Bills are confident going into the season with Levi Wallace or Dane Jackson as their starting cornerback opposite Tre’Davious White. This is not necessarily a bad thing as they have shown they can win with either player at that position.