The Seattle Seahawks waited to address a core need, and it was worth it
Outside linebacker Derick Hall is filling a core need, and he was worth the wait.
When the Seattle Seahawks selected Derick Hall, the organization was attempting to fill a core need on the edge.
There were a number of players that could have been had to improve the Seahawks' front seven, but Hall was probably the best bet on Day 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft. He isn't a perfect player by any means, but he was clearly worth the wait for the Seahawks for a simple reason: His leadership.
It may not be flashy, but it is necessary for a Seahawks front seven that struggled with a sense of identity for long stretches during the 2022 NFL season.
As the sixth pick on day two, Hall joins an already talented draft class for the Seahawks. In round one, Seattle selected cornerback Devin Witherspoon and Ohio State wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Nate Davis and Jim Reineking of USA TODAY see Hall as a great fit for the Seahawk's defense because of his experience and natural instinct.
"The ‘Hawks begin building out the depth of their D-line with a 6-3, 254-pounder who posted 19½ sacks and 29½ tackles for loss over the past three seasons. As a team captain with 4.5 speed he brings good tangible and intangible assets to the Emerald City."
Hall is everything the Seahawks were needing. Earlier in the offseason, Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll said the quiet need out loud.
"We are going to have to become more dynamic up front, we have to," he said.
With Hall's leadership and skillset, that is exactly what the Seahawks did Friday night.
At 6-foot-3, 254 pounds, Hall led Auburn with 12 tackles for loss and seven sacks as a senior and also added 60 tackles, an interception, and two forced fumbles to earn first-team All-SEC honors. Hall was also voted a team captain by his teammates. As a junior, Hall had 12.5 tackles for loss and nine sacks, earning second-team All-SEC honors.
Through the years, Hall has risen to the moment. And in the NFL it is hard to see any reason why he can't do so again. This selection for Seattle was as much on-field production and locker room culture. Luckily for the Seahawks, Hall has both qualities.
