After a quiet rookie season, Derick Hall took a significant leap in 2024 and began to justify the investment made by the [Seahawks](https://www.fieldgulls.com/) in the 2023 Draft. Playing as an edge rusher in a defensive system revamped under Mike Macdonald, Hall stood out for his aggressiveness, athletic explosiveness and physical delivery in the front seven.
With Uchenna Nwosu injured, the No. 58 has established himself as a constant presence on the field and a real threat to opposing offensive lines. In this article, we analyze his 2024 season and what to expect from Hall for the 2025 season.
**Derick Hall in 2024**
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17 games (14 starts): 37 tackles (20 solos), 8 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovered and returned for a TD.
His eight sacks ranked him 26th in the NFL. In terms of pressures on the QB (45), PFF’s ranking ranked him 34th among 211 edge players.
He quickly realizes that the QB is going to escape the pocket and begins the chase. Jordan Love manages to escape from Jarran Reed, but Hall doesn’t give up until the end of the play and keeps the QB under pressure.
This was a “quiet” game for Seattle and this play was at the end of the first half. He identifies that the QB has the ball and continues battling until he gets to the QB.
**Most used techniques by Derick Hall**
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**1\. Long-arm rip**
Using long arms to keep distance and bounce off the blocker’s hands, he clears the way for the QB. He does this well, leaving one hand free to get to the QB.
Again, one hand free and able to generate power from his speed.
**2\. Speed-to-power/Bull Rush**
This is his favorite move. A lot of force on the first contact and forces the QB out of the pocket. He helps the sack happen, but that’s not even his best point. He stays disciplined until the end of the play and after the fumble happens he recovers the ball and runs for the TD.
This time he literally runs over the RT, throwing him to the ground. The QB needs to walk in the pocket and Leo Williams finishes the play.
He adds the element of threatening the OT on the outside and catches the opponent out of position with his feet and finishes the play on the ground.
He takes a while to get off the snap (something that could be improved). Hall positions himself well at the corner and throws George Kittle towards the QB.
**3\. Bend under & sink**
Lowers his center of gravity, “slides” under the line and sustains power with leg drive.
**Comparison to other Seattle edges**
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* Derick Hall: 673 snaps (268 run def & 369 pass rush, 36 coverage), 8 sacks, 45 pressures, 45.7 PFF Run Defense Grade (191 of 211);
* Boye Mafe: 607 snaps (202 run def & 344 pass rush, 61 coverage), 6 sacks, 47 pressures, 77.8 PFF Run Defense Grade (13 of 211);
* Dre’Mont Jones: 617 snaps (230 run def & 375 pass rush, 12 coverage), 4 sacks, 45 pressures, 45.5 PFF Run Defense Grade (192 of 211);
**Where does Hall need to improve?**
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Some of Hall’s sacks (8) fell into his lap, like a gift. To be an elite EDGE, he needs to have that dominance on a consistent basis. In contrast, he helped create some sacks and forced some key holds.
Bull rush and good bend. He has the QB in his sights, but the LT holds him back and prevents the sack. The play ended in a TD that was nullified due to this penalty.
* **Run Defense/Pad Level Technique:**
This is where I expect Hall to make the biggest leap in quality. If he wants to be an elite EDGE, he’s going to have to change, and a lot. His combat against the run game alternates between very good plays and very, very bad plays.
Here’s a good example of something good. He punishes both TEs and makes the immediate tackle.
He anticipates well and is quick to get to the backfield almost at the moment of the handoff between Kirk Cousins and Bijan Robinson. Hall misses the tackle, but slows the RB down enough for Jarran Reed to make the play.
When I was scouting Hall coming out of Auburn, I noticed that he was going to the ground quite often. I thought it was something that would adapt in the NFL, but it didn’t. Notice that the LT doesn’t even make much effort to keep him on the ground and opens a huge gap for the run.
It’s totally surprising how he’s so physical and strong at times at almost 260 lbs and seeing him on the ground like a 230 lb guy is bizarre.
It even seems like if he doesn’t start the snap with maximum aggression, he’ll be dominated by the opponents.
**Final Thoughts**
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Derick Hall was the second name on Seattle’s defense in sacks, with evident athletic strength in the pass rush. His techniques showed—long-arm, speed-to-power and bend—brought enormous potential. But the poor performance against the run indicates that they need to improve in combating guards and fullbacks, while maintaining the integrity of the edge in the runs.
If with the focus in the offseason (training with pads, film study and technical adjustment in the shed blocks) Hall can combine continuous pressure with solid containment, he has everything to be one of the best outside linebackers in the NFL in 2025.