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Washington Redskins: How DeAngelo Hall Can Contribute

By Hunter Noll

Dec 26, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Redskins cornerback DeAngelo Hall (23) reacts with defensive back Jeron Johnson (20) after returning a fumble for a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half at Lincoln Financial Field. The Redskins won 38-24. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 26, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Redskins cornerback DeAngelo Hall (23) reacts with defensive back Jeron Johnson (20) after returning a fumble for a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half at Lincoln Financial Field. The Redskins won 38-24. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Washington Redskins secondary received a major boost this offseason with the acquisition of cornerback Josh Norman. Due to Norman’s arrival, some players are getting overlooked, DeAngelo Hall is one of them.

The days of DeAngelo Hall forcing a gang of turnovers and breaking up double digit passes are probably over. So he’s not going to put up those flashy numbers anymore. Despite that, he’s going to bring more to the Redskins’ defense than almost anyone out there.

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In 12 seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, Oakland Raiders and Washington Redskins, the three-time Pro Bowler has amassed an impressive 58 takeaways. Hall has picked off 43 passes and returned five of those for scores. He’s also recovered 15 opponent fumbles and taken five of those to the house.

But in his last two years with Washington, he’s failed to record an interception while he has returned a fumble for a touchdown. Still, the aging veteran has been limited to a total of 14 games these past two seasons.

So what exactly will Hall bring to the defense this upcoming season? The simple answer to that question is leadership…and a high football IQ.

Hall made the move from cornerback to safety during the 2015 season. This will help to mask the fact that he may have lost a step or two when it comes to his speed and quickness, while still giving him a chance to cover the field and give direction to his teammates.

With the David Bruton Jr. signing this offseason, Hall will have some company in the back of the secondary (via Redskins.com). Throw in Will Blackmon, rookie Su’a Cravens, and Duke Ihenacho and you’ve got an abundance of safety depth. The depth is extremely important because it will give the Redskins a chance to rest Hall on occasion, keeping his injury risk down while keeping him well-rested.

From a statistical standpoint, Hall probably isn’t viewed as much of a ball-hawk anymore.  Although, his coverage is still something I view as underrated, and the move to safety might give him a chance to jump some routes. He does tend to find a way into the end zone however.

Not exactly known for his hard-hitting, Hall did seem to “lay the lumber” on more than one occasion after his move to safety. He definitely wasn’t afraid to come in full speed and lunge at the ballcarrier to make the stop, something that could come in handy from a safety.

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While players like Norman, Bashaud Breeland, and Ryan Kerrigan might make the headlines more often, Hall will provide the leadership and knowledge that helps the Washington defense take the next step in 2016.

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