Earlier this week, the Minnesota Vikings agreed to a trade that landed them some untapped potential in former second round pick, (DT) PJ Hall. Unfortunately, Hall failed his physical yesterday, and the trade was rescinded.

The Raiders later released Hall, after the trade fell through. No one knows why Hall failed his physical but the Vikings now have to find another way to improve their depth at defensive tackle. Armon Watts going on the COVID-19 reserve list didn’t help the situation.

DT P.J. Hall failed his physical and reverts to Las Vegas.

S Brian Cole II and WR Justin Jefferson have been activated from Reserve/COVID-19.

DT Armon Watts has been placed on Reserve/COVID-19.

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) August 4, 2020

Four #Vikings players — OL Tyler Higby, LB Cameron Smith, OT Oli Udoh and DT Armon Watts — remain on the COVID list. Ninth day today for Higby, seventh for Smith and Udoh.

— Andrew Krammer (@Andrew_Krammer) August 4, 2020

ANOTHER TRADE POSSIBLE?

Michael Pierce opting out of the 2020 season due to COVID risks was the first big subtraction from the line. And now with Hall failing his physical, the Vikings need reinforcements. We know they have big plans for Watts so hopefully he is able to return quickly.

Although it appears that the attempt to add some flashing potential at a position of need didn’t work this time, the Vikings should keep trying. There are other holes on the roster, but depth at both DE and at DT behind the projected starters is most glaring. With the additional cap space, the Vikings should definitely pursue someone with a similar profile to Hall, but is in better physical shape at the moment.

Mike Zimmer was asked about #Vikings DT Armon Watts.

“Armon has played really well, I think. He’s done a nice job when he’s been in there….He’s a big, strong athletic guy and so we’re looking for another big jump out of him this year.”

— Daniel House (@DanielHouseNFL) August 3, 2020

The success of this Vikings defense relies on depth along the D-line. Fresh legs allow for additional pressures, which frees up other players to cause chaos. Without this crucial depth that Zimmer likes, the Vikings will have a more difficult time if injuries arise for their starters.

Ameer Eldomiatti | Minnesota Sports Fan

The Minnesota Vikings filled the void left by free-agent acquisition Michael Pierce opting out of the 2020 season. They acquired PJ Hall from the Las Vegas Raiders for a future conditional 7th round pick.

The #Raiders, who informed #Raiders 2nd round DT PJ Hall he was being released today, traded him to the #Vikings instead for a 7th round conditional pick in 2021.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 3, 2020

Hall, a former second round pick, played parts of 2 seasons for the Raiders. He appeared in 30 games and made 18 starts. The concerning number is that Hall registered just 1.5 sacks in that amount of playing time.

I was asking myself the same question a bit ago. This will be interesting.

He falls right in-between the 3T and nose profile. Coming out of college, it seemed like he had a little versatility, but probably fit best in the one-gap spectrum. #Vikings https://t.co/SXcd7jY4gN

— Daniel House (@DanielHouseNFL) August 3, 2020

Hall played collegiately at Sam Houston State and had 42 career sacks. My guess is he won’t start, but will serve as a backup for Jaleel Johnson and others who will step in for Michael Pierce. Acquiring Hall for a 7th round pick to round out the defensive line rotation might not seem like a flashy move for the Vikings. But depth is crucial this year more than ever. Give him a little time with Coach Patterson and he could end up turning into a reliable piece of the defense.

PJ Hall vs Shamar Stephen (2019)

Hall: (551 snaps)

25 total tackles
0 forced fumbles
16 stops
2 sacks
19 hurries
2 hits
23 pressures

Stephen: (580 snaps)

24 total tackles
1 forced fumble
11 stops
1 sack
4 hurries
1 hit
6 pressures

Hall might be an upgrade over Stephen.

— Tanishka (7-2) (@tanishkamascara) August 3, 2020

P.J. Hall, @PFF:

2018 = 64.9
2019 = 70.2

— Dustin Baker (@DustBaker) August 3, 2020

Seth Toupal | Minnesota Sports Fan