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San Francisco 49ers defensive line coach Jeff Zgonina attended Sam Houston State's pro day to watch defensive tackle P.J. Hall, according to Tony Pauline of Draft Analyst.
Also in attendance was Brendan Daly, the defensive line coach for the New England Patriots. The Patriots met and interviewed Hall on Sunday night, according to the Bearkats' official Twitter page.
"The school's top prospect, defensive tackle P. J. Hall, has not disappointed those who made the trip and seems like a man on a mission," wrote Pauline. "Hall, who was dominant for three days of Shrine practice, measured 6-1/308 pounds. He touched an impressive 38 inches in the vertical jump, reached 9-feet-8-inches in the broad jump and completed 36 reps on the bench.
"His first forty-time clocked under 4.8s (4.76s on a few watches) into the wind while his second attempt, with the wind, was under 4.7s (4.68s on a few watches)."
While Hall didn't receive an invite to the combine, he had a strong week at the East-West Shrine Game, which included a sack of Ohio State quarterback J.T. Barrett. Hall had at least 12 sacks in two different seasons with the Bearkats and three seasons with 11-or-more. In four years, he registered 284 combined tackles with 86.5 for a loss and 42 sacks.
The two-time first-team Associated Press FCS All-American has experience as an edge rusher but played defensive tackle for his senior year (per Lance Zierlein of NFL Media), which explains the decrease in sacks from his first three seasons. Hall's 60 combined tackles in 2017 earned him first-team All-Southland Conference honors. He also tied the FCS lead with four blocked kicks.
Hall was the Southland Conference Defensive Player of the Year in 2016 after recording 56 combined tackles, 24.5 for a loss, 13 sacks, and three forced fumbles in 13 starts.
Hall patterns himself after Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald.
"He is not the biggest, but he is very explosive and powerful," Hall told Full Press Coverage in February. "He is just hard to block all around."
NFL.com projects Hall to be a Day 3 selection, possible in round 6 or 7 of the draft. However, his strong Shrine Game showing has many analysts predicting him to be a fourth- or fifth-round pick.
"What Hall lacks in height, weight and length, he makes up for with power and quickness. Hall has the quickness and strength to be disruptive against the run and pass as a shade nose or reduced front three-technique. His level of production in every category imaginable could foreshadow his ability to translate into the NFL, but he will have to prove he can maintain his weight and stand up to the rigors of the interior with bigger men across from him."
Draft Watch: 49ers attend Illinois DT Jer'Zhan Newton's pro day
By David Bonilla
Apr 16
Bleacher Report's Jordan Schultz reports that the San Francisco 49ers were among several NFL teams in attendance for former Illinois defensive tackle Jer'Zhan Newton's pro day workout. The defender also goes by the name "Johnny."
Illinois DT Johnny Newton, a projected 1st-round pick, just wrapped up an impressive Pro Day — showcasing elite explosion and power after a Jones fracture that he's fully healed from.I'm told the following teams were in attendance, among others:BillsCowboys49ersJets… pic.twitter.com/ggMIiIBkub—
While most expect the San Francisco 49ers to target an offensive lineman with their first-round pick, NFL Media lead draft writer Eric Edholm has the team going in another direction with the No. 31 overall pick. In his final mock draft of the year, Edholm has the team selecting former Illinois defensive tackle Jer'Zhan Newton, who also goes by "Johnny."
"If you're worried Newton's skill set overlaps too much with that of Javon Hargrave, consider that Hargrave is set to hit the salary cap at more than $28 million in the 2025 season -- when he'll be 32 years old," Edholm explained. "As a relentless scheme-wrecker, Newton would help alleviate the
Draft Watch: Western Kentucky WR Malachi Corley visiting 49ers on Wednesday
By David Bonilla
Apr 16
The San Francisco 49ers are hosting several draft prospects this week as the deadline for pre-draft visits draws near. According to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2, the team will host former Western Kentucky wide receiver Malachi Corley on Wednesday.
Corley is expected to be a Day 2 pick. San Francisco owns two selections on Day 2—the No. 63 overall pick in the second round and the No. 94 overall pick in the third round. Currently, the receiver is visiting with the Seattle Seahawks.
Western Kentucky @WKUFootball receiver Malachi Worley
Draft Watch: 49ers met with Appalachian State LB Andrew Parker
By David Bonilla
Apr 21
Justin Melo of The Draft Network reports that the San Francisco 49ers met with former Appalachian State linebacker Andrew Parker as part of their pre-draft evaluations.
.@AppState_FB LB Andrew Parker recorded a team high 114 tackles 2023. 10'4 broad, 38.5" vertical, 6.90 3-cone + 4.26 shuttle at Pro Day.Met scouts from #Titans, #Chargers,
