Mike Hall reflects on decision to declare for NFL Draft, meetings with teams

With two years of eligibility remaining, Mike Hall could’ve returned to Ohio State in 2024. He put together back-to-back strong seasons on the Buckeyes’ defensive line and had the option to run it back and maybe increase his NFL Draft stock even more.

When it came time to make a decision, Hall knew he was ready to go to the NFL. Next week, he’ll find out where he’ll be playing as he enters the draft as a projected Day 2 pick, according to ESPN.

Hall credits his time in Columbus under Larry Johnson and Ryan Day for getting him ready for the next level so quickly. Now, he’s preparing for whatever lies ahead next week in Detroit while he’s with family back home.

“It’s been a dream come true,” Hall told On3 via Zoom. “You do three years, you’re eligible to enter in the draft. I feel like I did a good job of learning a lot of stuff at Ohio State, thanks to Coach J and Coach Day. They developed me great as a player on and off the field.

“Coming back for another year, I feel like it wasn’t gonna do very much for me. [I was] able to enter my name in the draft and just be able to finally fulfill my dreams.”

The last few months have been a whirlwind for the list of draft hopefuls getting ready for the NFL. Ohio State’s season ended in late December in the Cotton Bowl against Missouri and Hall declared the for the draft the next day. Then, he played in the Senior Bowl and headed to the NFL Scouting Combine in February and March.

Through it all, Hall said he’s keeping things in perspective.

“It feels like it happened with a snap of a finger,” Hall said. “It just felt like yesterday I was at the combine doing formals and all that with teams in the suites in Indy. Just a blessing to be able to be in front and be in these rooms that I’ve never been in.

“A lot of people would kill to be in this position. Really just not taking this thing for granted and taking advantage of it.”

As for what a team will be getting in Hall, it’ll be someone who leaves it out on the field.

“A dawg,” he said when asked what teams can expect to get. “Somebody who’s accountable, a leader by example. Going to set the standard and set the bar a little bit higher for play style. I’ll play out there with great passion and great juice and play with emotion.”

Mike Hall is partnering with P&G and Meijer ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft. P&G and Meijer are teaming up to provide players with essentials from trusted P&G brands like Bounty to help them be Ready For Anything as they begin their pro careers. During Draft week, the first P&G Draft House presented by Meijer will be on the ground in Detroit to welcome players and equip them with essentials they’ll be able to count on no matter where they find themselves heading after they’re drafted.