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We already know that San Francisco 49ers defensive line coach Jeff Zgonina was in attendance to watch defensive tackle P.J. Hall at Sam Houston State's pro day in March. However, the interest expressed by the 49ers continued into the evening following the workout. As part of the scouting process, Zgonina had dinner that night with Hall, according to a conversation we had with our friends over at Draft Diamonds.
It must have been a busy night for the draft prospect, who reportedly met and interviewed with New England Patriots defensive line coach Brendan Daly that night as well.
During an interview in February with Full Press Coverage, Hall said he patterns himself after Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald.
"He is not the biggest, but he is very explosive and powerful," he said. "He is just hard to block all around."
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.
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.
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.
Less than a month ago, NFL.com projected Hall as a potential Day 3 pick, possibly being selected in the sixth or seventh round. His stock has risen. Hall is currently projected to be a third- or fourth-round draft pick.
Lance Zierlein of NFL.com, who compares Hall to Grady Jarrett, wrote the following about Hall within his scouting report:
"What Hall lacks in height, weight and length, he makes up for with power, quickness, and explosiveness. 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
NFL Nation mock draft sees 49ers pivoting after run on tackles
By David Bonilla
Apr 23
ESPN recently conducted a mock draft involving its NFL Nation reporters, where each assumed the general manager role for the team they cover. This unique process benefits from selectors who are intimately aware of each team's needs.
The San Francisco 49ers are expected to address their offensive line with the No. 31 overall pick, marking the team's first first-round selection since 2021. Nick Wagoner, acting as general manager John Lynch, had to adapt his plan based on earlier selections taking several offensive tackles off draft boards.
With those options gone, Wagoner opted for former Missouri pass rusher Darius
49ers sign WR Trent Taylor, reuniting with former draft pick
By David Bonilla
Apr 16
The San Francisco 49ers announced the signing of wide receiver Trent Taylor to a one-year deal, reuniting with the team's former fifth-round draft pick out of Louisiana Tech.
Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area was the first to report that the 49ers were discussing a potential reunion with Taylor. The receiver was part of head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch's first draft class in 2017 and spent his first four NFL seasons with the team.
The #49ers are talking with free-agent slot receiver/return man
