The drafting of P.J. Hall out of small school Sam Houston St. in the 2nd round was one of the most surprising picks for the Oakland Raiders in the 2018 NFL draft. Despite his record breaking stat of 86.5 tackles for losses and having 42.0 sacks as an interior lineman, Hall was originally projected as a mid to late round pick. His original draft projections were due to his having faced lesser competition in the Southland Conference of the FCS.
Hall’s combine workouts sent his draft stock skyrocketing though, and Oakland felt that if they were going to have a chance at him they needed to act when they did at 57 overall in the 2nd round.