Cleveland, OH
Browns select Ohio State DT Michael Hall Jr., a Cleveland Heights native, at No. 54 in NFL Draft 2024
BEREA, Ohio — The Browns went back to the Buckeye well in the second round of the draft, selecting defensive tackle Michael Hall Jr. in the second round with the 54th overall pick, and Hall is coming home.
Last year, they drafted offensive tackle Dawand Jones in the fourth round, and he was pressed into service as the starting right tackle in Week 3. They also have former Buckeye Denzel Ward at cornerback, who touted Hall in a press conference two weeks ago and posted a congrats on X on Friday night.
“Great addition in Mike Hall for the Browns,” Ward posted. “You can’t go wrong with the Buckeyes.”
Two weeks ago at the start of offseason program, Ward said, “I hope (we draft him). That’s a good player coming out in the draft from Ohio State that he’d be a good addition to the team I feel like.”
For Hall, a redshirt sophomore, the admiration was mutual.
“I mean, two Ohio guys growing up in Cleveland, Ohio, is just a great feeling,” Hall said on his draft conference call. “We know we’re real familiar with the area and to stay here our whole career, I mean, from Pop Warner to high school, middle school to college, to Ohio State, and then still staying home at the top of the peak of the level. So it’s just great.”
But Ward certainly isn’t the only former Buckeye with whom Hall can chant “OH-IO” in the locker room. He’s got three teammates from 2023 in right tackle Dawand Jones, center Luke Wypler, and safety Ronnie Hickman too.
“Oh, yeah, that’s my dog (Jone),” Hall said. “You know, Dawand, he just called me right before this. I mean, just, were talking about this the whole time, even with my formal, my 30 day visit. You know, he was just saying, like, ‘man, if you get here, it’s over with.’ We’re the best duo, like offense defense wise. And we bring a lot of juice at practice, even at Ohio State. I know it’s going to be ten times more at the next level, but really blessed to be able to play with my brother for life.”
Born in the Cleveland suburb of Garfield Heights, Hall (6-foot-3, 290 pounds), who turns 21 in June, played his high school ball at Streetsboro after starting out at East Cleveland’s Benedictine.
As a redshirt freshman, Hall was dubbed “Baby Aaron Donald” by his Buckeyes teammates because he was so difficult to block in practice.
A two-year starter at Ohio State, he earned top defensive lineman honors for the National Team at the Senior Bowl in January. He might need to add bulk in the pros, but his pass-rush win-rate was second among FBS defensive tackles. The 33rd Team’s Greg Cosell wrote: “Showed natural quickness off the ball in the run game with a snap to his movement, especially in confined spaces. Quick, explosive hand usage to break down OL in the run game. Excellent balance and body control. He played strong off the snap with leverage and power to jar OL, then lockout with his hands and play off blocks.”
Browns assistant GM Glenn Cook, said their phone started ringing in the war room 20 minutes before the pick about trades, and didn’t stop. He credited Browns GM Andrew Berry with patiently waiting for the pick and resisting the temptation to trade it.
“The way I would describe him is a shapeshifter, the way he can move his body, the way he can attack the quarterback,” Browns assistant GM Andrew Berry said. “I think probably next to Andrew, the happiest person was (defensive coordinator) Jim Schwartz. Just with our attacking style. He really fits our model and our style.
“So just really excited with his ability, with his upside, his ability to impact the quarterback. Those are the things I would highlight just to start, but really excited to get him.”
Browns assistant GM Catherine Raiche said Hall’s ability to rush the passer from the interior is a premium trait and something NFL teams covet.
“Those players will either go off the board early or get paid (in free agency),” Raiche said.
She noted that the Browns view his size (6-3, 290), a little small for a defensive tackle, as an asset and not a liability.
“I think when you look at how we play the position and how we ask our guys to get off the ball and how athletic they need to be and how quick they need to be, that’s what Michael is going to bring to the table,” she said.
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Hall was a third-team All-Big Ten Conference selection in 2023, recording a career-high 24 tackles. He had only 1.5 sacks, but notched 4.5 the year before to go with his 7.5 tackles for a loss.
“We saw all the things you look for at the position (in Hall),” Cook said.
Raiche shared the exchange between defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz and Hall.
“Jim got on the phone with him, gave him a quiz and he was ready to roll and he is about to be the engine of this defense and I’m not going to use the words that they used,” she said. “But let’s just say ‘mess things up’ in the front there.”
Draft analyst Dane Brugler of The Athletic wrote, “With his first-step burst and lateral agility, Hall quickly gets vertical and is a tough player to handle one-on-one. He uses his long arms and natural leverage to work underneath blocks, although his lack of size and anchor put him in compromised positions, especially versus the run.
“Overall, Hall was more of a flash player than consistent force, but his quick-twitch movements and natural energy are the ingredients of a disruptive gap penetrator. If he stays healthy, he will be an immediate rotation player and eventual starting three -technique tackle in a four-man front.”
In the third round, when the Browns selected Michigan guard Zak Zinter, the tape revealed that Hall was the player who was shoved into Zinter and inadvertently broke his leg in Michigan’s victory over the Buckeyes on Nov. 25th. Zinter noted that the two players have “come full circle” as teammates now, and he can’t wait to join him.
By the time the Browns picked in the second round, several of the players high on their radar in that round were gone. They included Georgia wide receiver Ladd McConkey, who went 34th to the Chargers, Illinois defensive tackle Jer’Zhan Newton, who went 36th to the Commanders, and Oregon center/guard Jackson Powers-Johnson, who went 44th to the Raiders.
The Browns headed into Day 2 with picks No. 54 in the second round and No. 85 in the third round. They also have four picks on Day 3: No. 156 in the fifth round, No. 206 in the sixth round, No. 227 in the seventh round and No. 243 in the seventh round.
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Cleveland watch enthusiasts and luxury collectors are invited to experience “Watches & Wonders Comes to Cleveland,” an exclusive two-day event hosted by Alson Jewelers on June 12 and June 13.
Cleveland watch enthusiasts and luxury collectors are invited to experience “Watches & Wonders Comes to Cleveland,” an exclusive two-day event hosted by Alson Jewelers on June 12 and June 13.
CLEVELAND, OH, May 30, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ — Cleveland watch enthusiasts and luxury collectors are invited to experience “Watches & Wonders Comes to Cleveland,” an exclusive two-day event hosted by Alson Jewelers on June 12 and June 13.
Bringing together some of the world’s most celebrated watchmakers, the event offers guests the opportunity to explore exceptional timepieces while connecting directly with brand representatives from Breitling, Cartier, TUDOR, Chopard, IWC, and Panerai.
The celebration begins Friday, June 12, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. with an evening of watches, whiskey, and hors d’oeuvres in a sophisticated atmosphere designed for collectors and newcomers alike.
Festivities continue Saturday, June 13, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring champagne and light bites while guests browse the newest luxury watch collections.
During the event, attendees who purchase any new watch from participating brands will receive a complimentary watch winder, adding even more value to the experience. In addition, every watch purchase automatically enters guests for the chance to win a $1,000 gift card.
Known for offering an elevated shopping experience in the Cleveland area, Alson Jewelers’ Luxury Watch Collection continues to showcase premier craftsmanship and timeless design from leading Swiss watchmakers. Guests are encouraged to RSVP by June 6 to reserve their place at this highly anticipated event.
About Alson Jewelers
With a legacy of excellence in fine jewelry and customer service, Alson Jewelers remains a premier destination for bridal and luxury jewelry. Family-owned and operated, Alson is known for its knowledgeable staff and commitment to helping clients celebrate life’s most meaningful moments. The store offers an exceptional selection of designer engagement rings, wedding bands, and fine jewelry, along with expert jewelry and watch repair services. Fully equipped for custom design, Alson Jewelers works closely with clients to create one-of-a-kind engagement rings, wedding bands, and fine jewelry pieces. Above all, Alson Jewelers prides itself on delivering a warm, personalized experience in their Cleveland jewelry store that makes every guest feel welcomed and cared for from the moment they walk through the door.
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The Cleveland Cavaliers might be at the point of doing whatever it takes to contend for a NBA championship next season, even at the expense of some of their young stars.
After their disappointing loss in the Eastern Conference Finals, the Cavs need to consider anything and everything when it comes to trading away players to bring in more help for next season.
Obviously, Cleveland would love to retain as many of their stars as possible, especially the likes of Evan Mobley. New details from Koby Altman, Cavaliers President of Basketball Operations, gives more insight into how the Cavs view Mobley’s future as of now.
Here’s what Koby Altman shared with the media regarding Evan Mobley.
Koby Altman praises Mobley for what he’s done in Cleveland
“Evan Mobley? Yeah, I mean he’s a part of our future.”
This is what Cavs fans were hoping to hear, especially with the recent talks about potential league altering trades involving Mobley.
“We’re not going to speculate on any players outside these walls. All I can tell you is since Evan’s been here, we’ve had the third best record in the league.
There is no arguing Altman’s points on Mobley, considering Cleveland has had a winning record and made either the play-in tournament or the playoffs in each of Mobley’s first five seasons.
Their winning percentage ranks amongst the league’s best as well since the 2021-22 season, much thanks to Mobley’s dominance as their big man of the future alongside veteran Jarrett Allen.
Mobley would go on to win the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year award during the 2024-25 season, becoming the franchise’s first player to win the award as well as the fifth youngest in league history at just 23 years old.
Altman would go on to say, “all Evan has done is impact winning. He’s been remarkable for us in terms of our ascent. He knows he needs to get better.”
What this means for Evan Mobley going forward
Mobley has most certainly helped Cleveland finish each season near the top of the Eastern Conference and has continued to get better every year. However, fans and media have criticized his aggressiveness as a big man, urging him to be more physical with his size.
Standing at 6 foot 11 inches and weighing 215 pounds, Mobley ranks amongst the league’s tallest centers while showcasing dynamic abilities as both a ball handler and a shooter. His averages this past season include 18.2 points, nine rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game were some of his best stats in his career.
Mobley sits among some of the NBA’s best centers in regard to his defense, as he is one of four players to have at least 300 blocks and 150 steals, next to Anthony Davis, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Rudy Gobert. He has continued to build on those impressive stats as he keeps working to get better.
If the Cavs want to bet on Mobley being a true franchise player for the foreseeable future, they’ll need those numbers to increase next season. They’ll also need Mobley to show that defensive presence again that earned him DPOY honors two seasons ago.
In Mobley’s case, his 5-year, $224 million extension two summers ago keeps him in Cleveland through the 2029-30 season. Unfortunately, the NBA is a business, and at the end of the day, teams will do whatever they can to build a championship contending roster.
Based on Altman’s high praise, it would seem like Mobley is safe as a Cavalier. Don’t rule out the possibility of a trade if a team comes calling with an offer Cleveland can’t refuse.
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CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – The Ohio Supreme Court made a ruling Friday in connection with the murder conviction of the driver that killed Cleveland Firefighter Johnny Tetrick.
According to the Ohio Supreme Court, the trial court had sufficient evidence to convict Leander Bissell of felony murder for speeding through an accident scene.
Cleveland Firefighter Tetrick, 51, was killed on Nov. 19, 2022.
Bissell struck Firefighter Tetrick on I-90 East near Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. and then fled the scene. Bissell was arrested later that evening.
Firefighter Tetrick was assisting with a rollover crash, when he was struck. He was pronounced dead at University Hospitals.
In July 2023, Bissell had a bench trial in front of Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas Judge Timothy McCormick and was found guilty on all charges, including, murder.
In August 2023, Bissell was sentenced to life in prison, with the possibility of parole after 16 years.
In November 2024, the Eighth District Court of Appeals overturned the murder conviction, finding the State failed to prove that Bissell acted “knowingly.”
The court of appeals found Bissell guilty of involuntary manslaughter, which would impose a sentence of only up to 11 years.
The state then appealed that decision to the Ohio Supreme Court.
“This is a victory for Firefighter Tetrick’s family and Ohio’s first responders. Firefighter Tetrick died while serving the public after Leander Bissell sped through a clearly marked accident scene, traversed the berm striking Tetrick, and fled. As the Ohio Supreme Court states, ‘The Eighth District’s reasoning is wrong.’ Thankfully, their decision today corrected that wrong,” said Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael C. O’Malley.
Thousands of people attended Firefighter Tetrick’s funeral on Nov. 26, 2022 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
Copyright 2026 WOIO. All rights reserved.
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