'Helluva Feeling': Browns Rookie Hall Jr. Lives Dream in Preseason Debut

The 23-10 loss to the Green Bay Packers didn't mean anything for the upcoming regular season. However, for Cleveland Browns rookie defensive tackle Michael Hall Jr., it was the start of his young NFL career.

“The first time out there, it was a helluva feeling,” Hall said following his debut. “Blessed to be out there, all thanks to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Just happy to be able to play in front of thousands of fans and happy to rep my city.”

Hall knows what it means to play in his home state. After all, he spent three years doing it at Ohio State. However, his NFL debut happened closer to his home of Streetsboro, Ohio.

“I felt great, just running to the ball and working my pass rush. Felt energized and I was good.”

While the former Buckeye only recorded a single tackle during his preseason debut, his performance was praised on social media. More specifically, his "violent hands" and "quick burst" saw him flash on tape.

Related: Browns LB Named to NFL All-Under-25 Defensive Team

Through the first three weeks of camp, the second-round pick has shown flashes of what made the Browns take so high in the NFL Draft. At 6-foot-3 and 300 pounds, Hall already possesses the frame of an NFL defensive tackle and seemingly has the traits to go with it.

However, with some technical refinement, NFL experience, and coaching, the Browns hope the 21-year-old hometown player can become a staple of their defensive line on the interior for years to come.