The Minnesota Vikings selected BYU quarterback Jaren Hall with their fifth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, a choice that was warmly received by many fans. Hall flashed in college despite numerous injuries, and pundits believe he had substantial upside in either a backup capacity or as a developmental starter.
Although Hall doesn’t have the critical acclaim or elite physical traits of prospects like Bryce Young, Anthony Richardson, or C.J. Stroud, he has an opportunity they don’t. Hall gets to learn under Kirk Cousins. He’ll glean knowledge from a quarterback renowned for his preparedness and professionalism, a developmental tool that is invaluable for young quarterbacks.
Hall’s primary physical concern is his size, a characteristic not as heavily critiqued as it has been in past years. Hall graded out at above-standard speed and agility testing, along with exceptional arm strength and comfortability throwing from different angles.
The Vikings immediately put Hall to work, showing off his intriguing traits in training camp. He received snaps with the second unit before going on to play primarily with the third-stringers in preseason action.
Hall will also benefit tremendously from playing under head coach Kevin O’Connell. The Vikings coach has repeatedly affirmed his commitment to developing and working with Hall. The former BYU signal-caller is also O’Connell’s first project and draft selection at quarterback. O’Connell has worked with Matt Stafford, Kirk Cousins, and Jared Goff throughout his coaching career.
In the first preseason game, Hall’s protection broke down frequently. That forced him to scramble often, and Hall finished completing six of 14 passes for 37 yards.
Hall then barely saw the field in Minnesota’s second preseason game, finishing with four completions for 49 yards.
But the Vikings gave Hall his greatest opportunity in the third preseason game, and he performed admirably. He finished with a 60.8 PFF grade and a 73.9% adjusted completion percentage. He thrived on play-action, completing 70% of his passes for 49 yards. Hall also completed 63.6% of his passes when the Arizona Cardinals didn’t pressure him in the pocket.
Hall’s growth has been noticeable throughout the preseason. He stepped up his game when the Vikings gave him further opportunity. His pocket presence has improved. When given the opportunity to play with the second-team offensive line, Hall had more time to sit in the pocket and delivered his best performance.
In the play below, Hall does an incredible job keeping his eyes downfield as he navigates the pocket, sliding up and stepping into his throw as Blake Proehl nears the sideline.
In the next play, Hall makes an incredible throw into a tiny window, he places the ball between defenders on different layers of the field and gives his receiver a perfect opportunity to catch the ball in a tight space.
That level of confidence is not typical for such a young quarterback, and it paid off for Hall. He also showed off his ability to throw on the run. In the play below, several Cardinals defenders pressured him on a play-action call that required him to roll to his right.
Ultimately, Hall has shown meaingful growth for a fifth-round rookie. His ball placement has been solid, and his ability on the run is downright impressive. Hall will need to work on adjusting further to the speed of the game. However, if he’s able to adapt, he could end up performing as a solid bridge quarterback if the Vikings choose to move on from longtime starter Kirk Cousins after this year.
Whether or not the Vikings will choose to pursue that route remains to be seen. However, under the Cousins and O’Connell’s tutelage, Hall will be prepared for whatever role the Vikings see fit for him.
