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The New Orleans Saints may have found a valuable seventh-round pick in cornerback TJ Hall from Iowa. Hall's competitive skills and recent performance could make him a strong candidate for the team's secondary.
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Saints may have found a seventh-round steal in Iowa cornerback TJ Hall
It's been a long time since the New Orleans Saints truly found a steal in the seventh round of the NFL draft. Fans love to point at Marques Colston and Zach Strief as seventh-round standouts, and rightfully so; both of them were instrumental to the team's Super Bowl XLIV title and played big roles in the winningest era of franchise history. You could make an argument for Kaden Elliss, but the linebacker was a backup for his entire four-year run with the Saints before leaving and proving he could start elsewhere. That convinced them to bring him back this offseason.
Could TJ Hall finally break the trend? The former Iowa Hawkeyes cornerback was the Saints' final pick in the 2026 draft class, and he seems tailor-made for the defense Brandon Staley wants to run. With an unsettled secondary in the wake of Alontae Taylor's departure, he may have a chance to get on the field right away. Here's the argument for him from Justin Melo for NFL Draft OnSI:
"It's rare that the seventh round produces any 'steals,' but we thought former Iowa cornerback TJ Hall would go earlier. Hall is very competitive with catch-point skills. He produced a career-high 10 pass breakups for the Hawkeyes this past campaign. The New Orleans Saints got themselves a physical cornerback prospect who will compete for a roster spot."
TJ Hall is known for his competitive nature and catch-point skills, having recorded a career-high 10 pass breakups in his last season at Iowa.
Seventh-round picks are often seen as potential 'steals' due to their lower expectations, and successful selections can greatly enhance a team's roster depth and value.
With an unsettled secondary following Alontae Taylor's departure, TJ Hall may have the opportunity to compete for a roster spot and contribute immediately.
Notable seventh-round picks for the Saints include Marques Colston and Zach Strief, both of whom played key roles in the team's Super Bowl XLIV victory.
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Hall may not have the vertical speed to keep up with NFL receivers in man coverage (he consistently timed the 40 yard dash in the 4.5's) but his experience in a zone-heavy defense will be put to good use in New Orleans. Staley ranked among league leaders by deploying his corners in zone on about 68% of their snaps. He's very effective when the play is in front of him, and that extends to run defense. Hall had an average depth of tackle at exactly 1.0 yards in run defense, per Pro Football Focus charting, missing once on 261 snaps against the run. That was the best number out of all Hawkeyes with 200 or more snaps.
If you're curious how that compares to the Saints, Kool-Aid McKinstry had an ADOT at 4.3 yards in his final year at Alabama (362 snaps). Alontae Taylor was at 7.5 yards at Tennessee in 2021 (349 snaps). Paulson Adebo hit 5.4 yards at Stanford in 2019 (251 snaps). Quincy Riley got up to 1.3 yards in his Louisville senior year (212 snaps), but he led the group with five missed tackles. Riley and Taylor were tied at 4.0 yards last season with the Saints and they combined for eight misses between the two of them. McKinstry had seven missed tackles, too (at 6.0 yards).
That reliability in run defense could give Hall an edge this summer. If he can make an impact there and earn more reps in other situations, he just might elbow his way into the starting lineup sooner rather than later.
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - DECEMBER 30: Nate Noel #8 of the Missouri Tigers runs the ball against TJ Hall #2 of the Iowa Hawkeyes in the second half of the TransPerfect Music City Bowl at Nissan Stadium on December 30, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Carly Mackler/Getty Images).
TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 31: Joseph McVay #15 of the Vanderbilt Commodores catches a touchdown against TJ Hall #2 of the Iowa Hawkeyes during the second half of the ReliaQuest Bowl at Raymond James Stadium on December 31, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 31: TJ Hall #2 of the Iowa Hawkeyes talks with Diego Pavia #2 of the Vanderbilt Commodores after the ReliaQuest Bowl at Raymond James Stadium on December 31, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
Iowa defensive back TJ Hall runs a drill during a spring NCAA college football practice, Tuesday, March 29, 2022, at the University of Iowa Indoor Practice Facility in Iowa City, Iowa. 220329 Iowa Spring Fb 044 Jpg
Iowa defensive back TJ Hall poses for a photo during Hawkeyes NCAA football media day, Friday, Aug. 12, 2022, in Iowa City, Iowa. 220812 Ia Fb Media 020 Jpg
Iowa defensive back TJ Hall looks to the sideline during the Kids Day at Kinnick NCAA football practice, Saturday, Aug. 13, 2022, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. 220813 Ia Kids Day Fb 090 Jpg
Iowa defensive back TJ Hall (2) runs a drill during the Hawkeyes' final spring NCAA football practice, Saturday, April 22, 2023, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. 230422 Iowa Spring Fb 065 Jpg
Iowa Hawkeyes running back Kaleb Johnson (2) is pushed out of bounds by defensive back TJ Hall (2) during an open spring practice Saturday, April 20, 2024 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
Iowa’s Kaden Wetjen (21) attempts to make a catch as TJ Hall (2) defends during Kids Day at Kinnick Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
Iowa defensive back TJ Hall looks to the sideline during the Hawkeyes' final spring NCAA football practice, Saturday, April 22, 2023, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
Sep 14, 2024; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Troy Trojans wide receiver Devonte Ross (7) catches a 63 yard touchdown pass from quarterback Matthew Caldwell (not pictured) as Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back TJ Hall (2) pursues during the second quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
Sep 14, 2024; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Troy Trojans wide receiver Devonte Ross (7) catches a 63 yard touchdown pass from quarterback Matthew Caldwell (not pictured) as Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back TJ Hall (2) pursues during the second quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back TJ Hall (2) tackles Nebraska Cornhuskers wide receiver Jahmal Banks (4) Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
Apr 26, 2025; Iowa City, IA, USA; Iowa defensive backs TJ Hall (2) and Kael Kolarik celebrate a stop during a spring NCAA football open practice at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Cress-The Des Moines Register
Iowa defensive back TJ Hall speaks to media members June 25, 2025 in Iowa City, Iowa.
Iowa cornerbacks TJ Hall, left, and Deshaun Lee watch the action during a spring practice April 26 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.
Aug 30, 2025; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Albany Great Danes running back Griffin Woodell (2) is tackled by Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back TJ Hall (2) during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
Sep 6, 2025; Ames, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back TJ Hall (2) breaks up a pass intended for Iowa State Cyclones wide receiver Brett Eskildsen (9) during the first quarter at Jack Trice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-Imagn Images
Sep 6, 2025; Ames, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back TJ Hall (2) breaks up a pass intended for Iowa State Cyclones wide receiver Brett Eskildsen (9) during the first quarter at Jack Trice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-Imagn Images
Sep 6, 2025; Ames, Iowa, USA; Iowa State Cyclones wide receiver Dominic Overby (11) makes a catch against Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back TJ Hall (2) during the second half at Jack Trice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-Imagn Images
Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back TJ Hall (2) hugs Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz after the Hawkeys’ win against the Massachusetts Minutemen Sept. 13, 2025 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
Sep 19, 2025; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights running back Antwan Raymond (3) is tackled by Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back TJ Hall (2) during the first half at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Sep 19, 2025; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights wide receiver KJ Duff (8) attempts to make a catch as Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back TJ Hall (2) defends during the second half at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back TJ Hall (2) tackles Indiana Hoosiers running back Kaelon Black (8) Sept. 27, 2025 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
Oct 11, 2025; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back TJ Hall (2) celebrates after an incomplete pass against the Wisconsin Badgers in the first half at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ross Harried-Imagn Images
Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Xavier Nwankpa (1) celebrates with Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back TJ Hall (2) after intercepting a pass during a college football game against the Penn State Nittany Lions Oct. 18, 2025 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Zach Lutmer (6) and Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back TJ Hall (2) defend a pass meant for Oregon Ducks wide receiver Malik Benson (4) Nov. 8, 2025 during a Big Ten Football game at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back TJ Hall (2) shakes hands with Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore (5) Nov. 8, 2025 after a Big Ten Football game at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
Nov 15, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans tight end Walker Lyons (85) runs the ball against Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back TJ Hall (2) during the first half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Nov 15, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans tight end Walker Lyons (85) runs the ball against Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back TJ Hall (2) during the first half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Iowa defensive back TJ Hall (DB 12) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images
Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Iowa defensive back TJ Hall (DB 12) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images
Feb 27, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Iowa defensive back TJ Hall (DB 12) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Feb 27, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Iowa defensive back TJ Hall (DB 12) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Feb 27, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Iowa defensive back TJ Hall (DB 12) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Feb 27, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Iowa defensive back TJ Hall (DB 12) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Feb 27, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Iowa defensive back TJ Hall (DB 12) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - DECEMBER 30: Nate Noel #8 of the Missouri Tigers runs the ball against TJ Hall #2 of the Iowa Hawkeyes in the second half of the TransPerfect Music City Bowl at Nissan Stadium on December 30, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Carly Mackler/Getty Images).
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NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - DECEMBER 30: Nate Noel #8 of the Missouri Tigers runs the ball against TJ Hall #2 of the Iowa Hawkeyes in the second half of the TransPerfect Music City Bowl at Nissan Stadium on December 30, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Carly Mackler/Getty Images).
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TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 31: Joseph McVay #15 of the Vanderbilt Commodores catches a touchdown against TJ Hall #2 of the Iowa Hawkeyes during the second half of the ReliaQuest Bowl at Raymond James Stadium on December 31, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
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TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 31: TJ Hall #2 of the Iowa Hawkeyes talks with Diego Pavia #2 of the Vanderbilt Commodores after the ReliaQuest Bowl at Raymond James Stadium on December 31, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
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Iowa defensive back TJ Hall runs a drill during a spring NCAA college football practice, Tuesday, March 29, 2022, at the University of Iowa Indoor Practice Facility in Iowa City, Iowa. 220329 Iowa Spring Fb 044 Jpg
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Iowa defensive back TJ Hall poses for a photo during Hawkeyes NCAA football media day, Friday, Aug. 12, 2022, in Iowa City, Iowa. 220812 Ia Fb Media 020 Jpg
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Iowa defensive back TJ Hall looks to the sideline during the Kids Day at Kinnick NCAA football practice, Saturday, Aug. 13, 2022, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. 220813 Ia Kids Day Fb 090 Jpg
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Iowa defensive back TJ Hall (2) runs a drill during the Hawkeyes' final spring NCAA football practice, Saturday, April 22, 2023, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. 230422 Iowa Spring Fb 065 Jpg
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Iowa Hawkeyes running back Kaleb Johnson (2) is pushed out of bounds by defensive back TJ Hall (2) during an open spring practice Saturday, April 20, 2024 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
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Iowa’s Kaden Wetjen (21) attempts to make a catch as TJ Hall (2) defends during Kids Day at Kinnick Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
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Iowa defensive back TJ Hall looks to the sideline during the Hawkeyes' final spring NCAA football practice, Saturday, April 22, 2023, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
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Sep 14, 2024; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Troy Trojans wide receiver Devonte Ross (7) catches a 63 yard touchdown pass from quarterback Matthew Caldwell (not pictured) as Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back TJ Hall (2) pursues during the second quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
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Sep 14, 2024; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Troy Trojans wide receiver Devonte Ross (7) catches a 63 yard touchdown pass from quarterback Matthew Caldwell (not pictured) as Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back TJ Hall (2) pursues during the second quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
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Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back TJ Hall (2) tackles Nebraska Cornhuskers wide receiver Jahmal Banks (4) Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
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Apr 26, 2025; Iowa City, IA, USA; Iowa defensive backs TJ Hall (2) and Kael Kolarik celebrate a stop during a spring NCAA football open practice at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Cress-The Des Moines Register
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Iowa defensive back TJ Hall speaks to media members June 25, 2025 in Iowa City, Iowa.
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Iowa cornerbacks TJ Hall, left, and Deshaun Lee watch the action during a spring practice April 26 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.
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Aug 30, 2025; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Albany Great Danes running back Griffin Woodell (2) is tackled by Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back TJ Hall (2) during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
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Sep 6, 2025; Ames, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back TJ Hall (2) breaks up a pass intended for Iowa State Cyclones wide receiver Brett Eskildsen (9) during the first quarter at Jack Trice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-Imagn Images
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Sep 6, 2025; Ames, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back TJ Hall (2) breaks up a pass intended for Iowa State Cyclones wide receiver Brett Eskildsen (9) during the first quarter at Jack Trice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-Imagn Images
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Sep 6, 2025; Ames, Iowa, USA; Iowa State Cyclones wide receiver Dominic Overby (11) makes a catch against Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back TJ Hall (2) during the second half at Jack Trice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-Imagn Images
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Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back TJ Hall (2) hugs Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz after the Hawkeys’ win against the Massachusetts Minutemen Sept. 13, 2025 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
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Sep 19, 2025; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights running back Antwan Raymond (3) is tackled by Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back TJ Hall (2) during the first half at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
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Sep 19, 2025; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights wide receiver KJ Duff (8) attempts to make a catch as Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back TJ Hall (2) defends during the second half at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
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Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back TJ Hall (2) tackles Indiana Hoosiers running back Kaelon Black (8) Sept. 27, 2025 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
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Oct 11, 2025; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back TJ Hall (2) celebrates after an incomplete pass against the Wisconsin Badgers in the first half at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ross Harried-Imagn Images
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Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Xavier Nwankpa (1) celebrates with Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back TJ Hall (2) after intercepting a pass during a college football game against the Penn State Nittany Lions Oct. 18, 2025 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
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Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Zach Lutmer (6) and Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back TJ Hall (2) defend a pass meant for Oregon Ducks wide receiver Malik Benson (4) Nov. 8, 2025 during a Big Ten Football game at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
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Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back TJ Hall (2) shakes hands with Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore (5) Nov. 8, 2025 after a Big Ten Football game at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
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Nov 15, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans tight end Walker Lyons (85) runs the ball against Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back TJ Hall (2) during the first half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
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Nov 15, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans tight end Walker Lyons (85) runs the ball against Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back TJ Hall (2) during the first half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
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Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Iowa defensive back TJ Hall (DB 12) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images
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Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Iowa defensive back TJ Hall (DB 12) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images
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Feb 27, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Iowa defensive back TJ Hall (DB 12) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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Feb 27, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Iowa defensive back TJ Hall (DB 12) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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Feb 27, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Iowa defensive back TJ Hall (DB 12) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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Feb 27, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Iowa defensive back TJ Hall (DB 12) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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Feb 27, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Iowa defensive back TJ Hall (DB 12) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Saints may have found a seventh-round steal in Iowa cornerback TJ Hall