As former BYU quarterback Jaren Hall meets with NFL teams this week at the combine, he is trying to demonstrate the poise of a pocket passer while also showcasing his running ability.
“You see [mobile quarterbacks] a lot more often in the NFL,” Hall told reporters in Indianapolis. “That is something of my traits that I love. When the play breaks down and you get off script in the pocket, I am able to do some things. For me, that is just another tool in the belt. I want to stand in the pocket and throw the ball and get it out on time. That is something I developed and got much better at [while] at BYU. I still got a ways to go and still improving.
“But that good balance is what is important to me. Staying healthy and avoiding hits. ... You have to be available to play in the NFL and that is something I will definitely be focusing on.”
Hall is currently projected as a mid- to late-round pick as he enters the draft season’s premier event. The Green Bay Packers and the Los Angeles Rams have consistently been linked to Hall — as both could be In the market for a quarterback.
Hall said he met with the Packers informally thus far. Green Bay is in limbo as MVP Aaron Rodgers is yet to decide on his future. In the meantime, the Packers are preparing for a number of possibilities at the position, including drafting another quarterback.
Hall said he would welcome the chance to sit behind Rodgers, if the 39-year-old does return to the team.
“That is one of the greatest to sit behind and learn from,” Hall said. “His game, I watched him a lot. I watched the Packers’ offense a lot. I love watching him do his thing. To be able to learn from someone like that as a young quarterback would be phenomenal.”
Green Bay general manager Brian Gutekunst said “all options are on the table” when asked about the quarterback spot.
As for the Rams, NFL draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah said a potential marriage between head coach Sean McVay and Hall could make sense. The Rams already have a starting quarterback in Matthew Stafford. But the former Super Bowl winner missed eight games last year due to injury and is 35 years old. The Rams could be looking to draft a backup, and may have interest in both former Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker and Hall.
“To me probably somebody like a Jaren Hall would be [a good fit],” Jeremiah said. “I think he will probably end up going in the fourth or fifth round. Good athlete. Can move. Can really drive the ball. He has some things he can work on with his footwork.
“I’m sure they’ve been working on that in lead-up to the draft. He gets a little too bouncy at times. He is somebody that is kind of an intriguing project to me that you could keep an eye on in that type of area of the draft.”
Hall has also reportedly met formally with the Dallas Cowboys.
Fair or not, part of Hall’s outside NFL perception is linked to Zach Wilson — the former BYU quarterback turned No. 2 overall draft pick by the New York Jets. Hall took over the starting position from Wilson after he left.
“He is always the most prepared guy on the field. He is a guy that always shared the film room,” Hall said when asked about Wilson. “He always had his iPad out and had plays on it and videos. That guy was invested. I was blown away with the couple of years I was around him. It helped me and my love for the game. That COVID year, he broke out and did his thing. It is all preparation. ... That is something I took away as something I needed to do. Be the hardest working dude, most prepared, because at that position you got to be.”
Hall is joined by former BYU receiver Puka Nacua at the combine this week. Nacua has been linked to the San Francisco 49ers, who might be interested at receiver.
“I met with them at the Senior Bowl,” Nacua told reporters. “I haven’t met with them out here yet.”
One of the main talking points around Nacua is his health. He missed four games in 2022 due to a series of injuries.
“I had some injuries early on in my college career, so trying to maintain my body,” Nacua said. “... I believe my versatility [is my best trait]. I played outside receiver. This year I was able to move into the slot. I ran wide zone for our team. I do a lot of the jet sweeps. I believe once I get the ball in my hands I am capable of a lot of things. I also pride myself in being able to take the top off the defense.”
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