Cleveland Browns Linebacker Alex Hall Is Raw Talent That Is Ready To Erupt

During the 2008 season, there was one unknown rookie outside linebacker that saw limited time for the Cleveland Browns, but lit up offenses when he did see playing time.

That rather unknown rookie is Alex Hall.

Hall is beginning his second season as a Brown, and with a new regime in place, will get more playing time as long as he can raise some eyebrows in training camp and preseason.

Seeing limited playing time as a rookie under former Browns head coach Romeo Crennel was a normal thing while Crennel was in charge. For some reason, he just didn't like to play rookies, but then you look at other teams that played their rookies and some preformed at a very high level.

Hall performed at a high level with the minimal playing time he received.

In 2008, Hall had 28 tackles, three sacks and two forced fumbles (according to nfl.com statistics).

With that kind of production in a small role, you would think that a coach would have played that player more, but that was not the case.

This caused many Browns fans to scratch their heads, especially since the defense had troubles getting to the opposing quarterbacks all year in 2008.

Hall may be a bit underweight for his position (he is 6 foot 5 inches, but only 250 pounds), but that is nothing that can't be corrected with the proper nutritionist and weight trainer.

No reports have come out of the Browns training facility in Berea, OH stating whether Hall has or has not gained more bulk, but with such a raw talent that is ready to be unleashed, you can bet that Mangini is keeping Hall's performance quiet to surprise opponents in 2009.

David Bowens may be above Hall on the depth charts right now, but a raw talent like Hall's cannot be contained and it's a matter of time until Hall reaches his potential and becomes a pass rushing force opposite of the other starting linebacker Kamerion Wimbley.

Browns fans wanted the team to draft a pass rushing beast in the NFL Draft, but honestly, the Browns might already have that pass rushing beast in Hall.

Hall is definitely one of the players to watch in the preseason to see how his development progresses.