(Editor's Note: Now that offseason practices are in full swing, let's get to know 30 Cowboys players who are new to the current 90-man roster. Today we're featuring linebacker Nate Hall.)
How He Got Here: Hall signed with the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent after starting for three years at Northwestern. The Ohio native was particularly on the strong side, where he tallied 51 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and three interceptions during his senior season. Hall is actually the second UDFA out of Northwestern in as many seasons, as Kyle Queiro signed on in 2018 – and is still on the roster heading into his second season.
Bet You Didn't Know: Since childhood, Hall is a massive NASCAR and Formula 1 racing fan. His favorite NASCAR driver is Jimmy Johnson, while his favorite Formula 1 driver is Lewis Hamilton. Hall also received a Masters degree from Northwestern this spring.
Quotable: "I think I'm a great football player when I know what I'm doing, so that's what comes first and foremost. Just continuing to get in the playbook and try to learn all three linebacker positions, so when I go out there in fall camp I don't have to think anymore, I can just rely on my instincts and my reaction to go and do what I do." – Nate Hall
Bryan Broaddus' Take: Physically, Hall is a good looking player. He's long and rangy for a linebacker. He will flash at you when he gets the opportunity. When he first got here, I had to hunt for his number on the roster, but by this point I have gotten used to him making plays. He has a nose for the ball, especially in the passing game. He also has a feel for how to drop in coverage read the quarterback, then react to the ball. There were several snaps during OTAs where he was in outstanding position to make a play on the ball. His height helps him when quarterbacks attempt to throw it over the top of him. If I had to guess, he will likely take the route of his former teammate at Northwestern, Kyle Oueiro, who spent the 2018 season on the practice squad.
Role/Roster Chances: The linebacker depth on this roster is pretty stacked, so Hall and all of his rookie counterparts are going to have their work cut out for them. If there's one thing working in his favor, it's the Cowboys' preference for using linebackers on special teams. If Hall can prove himself useful in that aspect of the game, he could make a bid for a roster spot. As is usually the case with rookie linebackers, expect to see him plenty in the second half of preseason games – on defense and special teams. Even if a roster spot isn't in the cards, this coaching staff is always looking for developmental linebackers, such as Kyle Queiro just last year.
