Steelers draft crush #6: Gabe Hall
It is becoming increasingly hard for the Steelers to find defensive linemen that they like. Traditionally, this team has liked for their defensive linemen to be taller and longer. College defenses are getting smaller though, meaning it is hard to find the prototypes that this team covets. 2024 is no different.
The best size fit seems to be Maason Smith out of LSU. The issue is, that he will likely go somewhere on day two, and his play has been inconsistent at best. At one point in time, he looked like a top pick, but his play regressed. He can play the run, but he lacks any sort of pass-rushing refinement.
Instead, the Steelers could land a similar player in Gabe Hall out of Baylor. He has the classic size that this team likes in defensive ends along with the length. He hasn’t been a great pass rusher, but he has the functional strength to serve as a base-run defender.
While I doubt that Hall will become a dynamic starter, he has the most potential out of the day three picks. Hall fits the type of defender that this team wants on the line, and he can learn behind Cameron Heyward before he retires. Because of his natural fit and potential, I can’t help but have a little crush on Hall.