ALAMEDA — The Raiders selected Sam Houston State defensive tackle P.J. Hall with the 57th overall pick in the NFL Draft.
Hall fills an area of need, as the Raiders only had Justin Ellis as a likely starting defensive tackle after re-signing him to a three-year deal this offseason. Second-year defensive tackles Eddie Vanderdoes and Treyvon Hester will also factor into the mix at the position after ending last season prematurely due to injuries. Denico Autry signed with the Colts in free agency, and he was probably Oakland’s best defensive tackle last season.
Over a four-year college career that spanned 56 games, Hall amassed 284 total tackles, nine forced fumbles, four interceptions and 14 – yes, 14 – blocked kicks…at 6-foot-1 and 310 pounds.