Why the Saints selected CB TJ Hall

TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 31: TJ Hall #2 of the Iowa Hawkeyes lines up on defense against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the ReliaQuest Bowl on December 31, 2025 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Now, this is an interesting selection for New Orleans. The main reason I think Hall is still available is his speed, which is a major issue in his game, but for the Saints, he could be a real starting CB.

Hall is really good in zone coverage, which is a specialty of Brandon Staley’s scheme, and his run defense will be the best among the Saints CBs on the roster. With run defense being a major issue for the Saints’ CBs last season, Hall’s addition to the roster will be a major improvement when he gets into the starting lineup.

It’s going to be interesting to see if Hall can get on the field during his rookie season, but he should be the third boundary corner, so one injury will bump him up to a starting spot. Depth was a major issue behind Kool-Aid McKinstry and Quincy Riley. Adding Hall could go a long way.

The other way Hall could get into the starting lineup is by taking the slot position. At Iowa, Hall did play some snaps in the slot, so this could be a way to get on the field faster, but the Saints may be moving to safeties in that spot. It makes more sense if the Saints brought in Hall as primarily a depth option behind McKinstry and Riley.