News: The Bengals official team website reports cornerback Leon Hall will return to OTAs eventually after suffering a ligament tear in his thumb. The injury occured lifting weights. He's expected to be fine for training camp.
Analysis: Hall hasn't been as productive a tackler as he was earlier in his career but still does well defensing passes and picking off quarterbacks. He's a low-end DB option worth a late-round pick in Fantasy drafts, particularly since he hasn't had more than 50 tackles in each of the last three years and has been bothered by injuries the past two seasons.
News: After finishing the regular season with just two interceptions, Bengals defensive back Leon Hall made his presence felt during Saturday's AFC Wild Card game against the Texans. Hall picked off Matt Schaub in the second quarter and returned 21 yards for the team's only touchdown. He also finished with four tackles in a 19-13 defeat.
Analysis: Including Saturday's playoff game, Hall picked off a pass in two of his last three contests. That said, he was way too inconsistent for Fantasy IDP owners to trust this season, as he had just two games with five-plus tackles all year. The 28-year-old finished with 38 tackles and two interceptions in 2012 and should be ignored in all Fantasy IDP Drafts in 2013.
News: Bengals cornerback Leon Hall was cleared to practice following a physical with the Bengals team trainers on Friday. Amid a Bengals secondary dealing with an abdominal issue for Nate Clements and knee injury to first-round pick Dre Kirkpatrick, Hall's health brings a shining light of optimism. With passing the physical comes another box checked off on Hall's journey back to where he was before planting his foot against the Steelers. “I have been pretty much cleared to do everything,” said Hall, 27, the Bengals top corner who signed a five-year contract extension last season. “We are going to monitor how many reps I get in a row, basically, but it is a little easier now because we only have one practice a day. It just makes it easier as far as me practicing as much as I can. I'm pretty much full-go. I set the goal that I wanted and we were able to reach it."
Analysis: This was an impressive recovery for Hall, who will likely get eased back into his football routine. Stats aren't easy for Hall to come by, though, and is no better than a reserve Fantasy defensive back.
News: Cincinnati DB Leon Hall will miss the remainder of the season after being placed on injured reserve with a torn left Achilles tendon. Hall suffered the injury during the second quarter of Week 10 against Pittsburgh and was on crutches following the game. "I was kind of by myself," Hall said about the play he hurt himself on. "I just kind of planted and drove. It felt like somebody kicked me."
Analysis: Hall's injury is a huge blow to the Bengals secondary as he was one of the NFL's top defenders with 32 tackles and two interceptions. He also had signed a $39-million contract extension last September. Fantasy owners should drop him in all formats for now.
News: Bengals CB Leon Hall injured his left Achilles late in the second quarter in Week 10 against the Steelers. According to ESPN.com, initial tests show that Hall tore his Achilles. He finished the game with two tackles and an interception.
Analysis: In deeper IDP leagues, Hall is a viable DB option when healthy, but now it appears that he will be out for the season. Owners should wait to see these test results confirmed, but anticipate that you will need to replace Hall going forward this season.
News: Bengals DB Leon Hall totaled five solo tackles, one interception and two pass defenses in Week 6 against the Colts. It was his first interception of the season.
Analysis: Even with the arrival of Nate Clements, teams aren't challenging Hall as much to start 2011 since the departure of Johnathan Joseph. Consider Hall a low-end Fantasy DB until he starts producing better numbers on a regular basis.
News: Cincinnati DB Leon Hall registered a season-high seven tackles during the Bengals' 23-20 victory over Buffalo in Week 4 on Sunday. Hall, whose previous season best was four tackles, has now recorded 13 stops overall this year.
Analysis: Cincinnati brought back Hall on a four-year deal after he collected 44 tackles during the 2010 campaign -- the lowest of his career. The former first-round selection in the NFL Draft hasn't picked off a pass this year and should be viewed as a low-end option in Fantasy IDP formats.
News: ESPN reports that the Bengals signed DB Leon Hall to a four-year extension on Friday. The deal is said to be worth $39 million and includes $14.1 million guaranteed. Hall's contract will run through the 2015 season.
Analysis: Hall is a solid defensive back, but for Fantasy purposes he remains more of a low-end option. He recorded four interceptions and 11 passes defensed last season with 44 tackles, making him merely a reserve option. He doesn't get the ball thrown his way enough to be considered a high-end Fantasy DB.
News: Bengals DB Leon Hall failed to record a tackle in Week 16 against the Chargers. Cincinnati would win the game 34-20 over San Diego, eliminating them from playoff contention.
Analysis: Hall didn't do much for a second straight week for the Bengals. He had four interceptions over the first two months of the season, but has cooled off since then. He has two forced fumbles and 43 tackles on the year, to go with those four picks. Right now he's not worth owning in Fantasy IDP leagues.
News: Bengals DB Leon Hall was relatively quiet in Week 15 against the Browns. Hall finished with just two tackles, one solo in the 19-17 win. He now has 41 tackles on the season.
Analysis: Hall had four interceptions over the first two months of the season, but cooled off considerably since then. He is not a great source for tackles and should be considered a low-end Fantasy DB heading into Week 16 against the Chargers.
News: Bengals DB Leon Hall made three tackles but no interceptions in Week 13 against the Saints. After making four interceptions through his first six games this year, Hall has gone without a pick in his last six games.
Analysis: Hall got off to a hot start, now that he has come down to earth, he is no more than a low-end Fantasy DB for IDP formats.
News: Bengals DB Leon Hall allowed one of Mark Sanchez' passes to slip right through his hands in the Week 12 loss to the Jets. He added two tackles -- one solo -- on the night.
Analysis: Hall has elevated his game this season, but his tackle numbers are down in 2010. The only thing keeping his Fantasy value alive is the fact he has four interceptions. Hall remains a low-end Fantasy DB until he gets on a roll.
News: Bengals DB Leon Hall totaled two tackles (one solo) and one pass defense in Week 11 against the Bills. He now has 31 tackles in 10 games.
Analysis: Hall is way behind his tackle pace from the previous two seasons when he netted 70-plus tackles. The only thing keeping his Fantasy value alive is the fact he has four interceptions. Hall remains a low-end Fantasy DB until he gets on a roll.
News: Bengals DB Leon Hall managed just one tackle in the Week 10 loss to the Colts.
Analysis: Hall, who has emerged as the Bengals top CB, has had a productive season. Start him moving forward in Fantasy play despite the slow day.
News: Bengals DB Leon Hall had another productive game in Week 9 against the Steelers. He recorded five tackles and had two forced fumbles in the 27-21 loss.
Analysis: Hall got burned on a pass play or two in Week 9 but forced his first two fumbles of the season while adding to his tackle total. He now has 28 tackles with four interceptions and seven passes defended on the year and remains a solid No. 2 Fantasy DB in IDP formats heading into Week 10 against the Colts.
News: Bengals DB Leon Hall (probable, hamstring) didn't feature in the inactives for Week 8 vs. Miami. He missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday, but was able to go at full speed on Friday.
Analysis: Hall isn't much of a tackler, but at the rate he's intercepting passes this season (four so far), he's a worthwhile Fantasy option regardless. He has never had more than six interceptions in a season, so you wouldn't want to go all-in on him, but he's worth a look as a No. 2 DB.
News: Bengals DB Leon Hall (hamstring) is officially listed as probable for the Week 8 game against the Dolphins. He missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday, but was able to go at full speed on Friday.
Analysis: Hall isn't much of a tackler, but at the rate he's intercepting passes this season (four so far), he's a worthwhile Fantasy option regardless. He has never had more than six interceptions in a season, so you wouldn't want to go all-in on him, but he's worth a look as a No. 2 DB.
News: Bengals DB Leon Hall recorded an interception for the fourth time in five games Week 7 at Atlanta, leaping high to grab a long pass intended for WR Michael Jenkins. He also had two solo tackles.
Analysis: Hall isn't much of a tackler, but at the rate he's intercepting passes this season, he's a worthwhile Fantasy option regardless. He has never had more than six interceptions in a season, so you wouldn't want to go all-in on him, but he's worth a look as a No. 2 DB.
News: Bengals DB Leon Hall came away with an interception for the second straight game in Week 3 against the Panthers. After picking off Ravens QB Joe Flacco in Week 2, Hall nabbed an interception off Jimmy Clausen in Week 3. Hall finished with five tackles (three solo) and two pass defenses. He has 11 tackles in three games.
Analysis: Hall is well on his way to surpassing his career high of six interceptions, which he set in 2009. Hall is becoming a very skilled defensive back and thrives in man-to-man coverage, which is a must in defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer's system. Hall is a decent No. 2 Fantasy DB.
News: Bengals DB Leon Hall had one of four interceptions off Ravens QB Joe Flacco in Week 2. Hall also finished with three tackles (one tackle for loss). Hall has five tackles in his first two games.
Analysis: Hall is a shutdown corner, but lucky for him that he plays across the field from Johnathan Joseph, another very good cornerback, so team's can't always afford to shy away from him. Hall is worth starting as either a No. 2 or No. 3 Fantasy DB.
News: Bengals DB Leon Hall had two tackles Sunday at New England in Week 1. Hall, who is owned in 31 percent of leagues on CBSSports.com, had a career-high six interceptions in 2009.
Analysis: Hall will likely have better days and should be considered a No. 3 DB in Week 2 against Baltimore. He has 14 interceptions in his first 49 regular-season games.
News: Coming off a career-high six interceptions in 2009, Bengals DB Leon Hall is owned in 31 percent of CBSSports.com IDP Fantasy leagues. Hall has recorded six solo tackles in the preseason, but he doesn't have an interception.
Analysis: The fourth-year pro out of Michigan has quietly produced for the Bengals the last three seasons. He has 14 interceptions in his first 48 regular-season games and has taken one of them to the house for a score. He also has been quite durable, not having missed a game in his young career. Hall is a decent low-end No. 2/high-end No. 3 Fantasy DB.
News: Bengals LB Dhani Jones (eight tackles), DB Johnathan Joseph (seven tackles), LB Keith Rivers (six tackles), DB Chinedum Ndukwe (four tackles, interception), DB Leon Hall (four tackles, interception) and DL Michael Johnson (sack) all had nice stat line in a Week 16 win over the Chiefs.
Analysis: Hall and Joseph have the most Fantasy value in this group and can be used in deeper leagues for Week 17 at the Jets. Jones also has some value in super-deep formats.
News: In the Bengals' Week 14 loss at the Vikings, notable defenders include: LB Dhani Jones (10 total tackles), DB Leon Hall (seven total tackles, interception), LB Rey Maualuga (eight total tackles, forced fumble), DL Tank Johnson (three solo tackles, sack) and DL Jonathan Fanene (four total tackles, sack).
Analysis: Of these players, Hall, Jones and Maualuga warrant your attention in Fantasy. They'll be plenty busy against the Chargers in Week 15.
News: Several Bengals played well on defense Sunday at the Steelers. LB Dhani Jones had seven tackles and a sack. Leon Hall had seven tackles. Johnathan Joseph had seven tackles. Jonathan Fanene had six tackles and two sacks. Rey Maualuga had six tackles. Robert Geathers had four tackles and a sack. And Frostee Rucker had an interception off a tipped pass from Ben Roethlisberger.
Analysis: The Bengals should play well in Week 11 at Oakland. Consider using all the Bengals regular starters in IDP leagues against the Raiders.
News: Bengals DB Leon Hall finished the Week 9 win over Baltimore with three tackles and an interception of QB Joe Flacco.
Analysis: Hall now has four picks on the year to go with 41 tackles in eight games. Hall is worth using as a No. 3 DB in IDP leagues most weeks as he is a good source of tackles to go with the picks. The Bengals play at Pittsburgh in Week 10.
News: Bengals DB Leon Hall came up with two interceptions on Sunday in the team's Week 7 win over the Bears. Hall also was in on seven tackles in the game, to tie for the team lead in that department.
Analysis: Hall is worth using as a No. 3 DB in IDP leagues most weeks as he is a good source of tackles and these two interceptions certainly don't hurt. The Bengals are on a bye in Week 8 then take on the Ravens Week 9.
News: Bengals DB Leon Hall had 12 tackles and a forced fumble Sunday against Houston. Hall led the team in solo tackles (10) and total tackles.
Analysis: Hall is worth using as a No. 3 DB in IDP leagues for Week 7 against Chicago. Hopefully he will continue to record tackles at this pace.
News: Bengals DB Leon Hall was able to intercept a Joe Flacco pass Week 5 in a 17-14 win. It was his first interception of the season.
Analysis: Hall is a decent one-week replacement option in IDP formats but cannot be counted on to produce on a consistent basis. He is at best a No. 3 Fantasy DB Week 6 against the Texans.
News: Cincinnait DB Leon Hall was able to force a fumble in the team's Week 4 game at Cleveland. He was also in on six tackles in the game.
Analysis: Hall is a decent one-week replacement option in IDP formats but cannot be counted on to produce on a consistent basis. He is not a recommended option for Week 5 at Baltimore.
News: Bengals rookie LB Ray Maualuga had four tackles, a sack and forced fumble Sunday at Green Bay. He was one of several Bengals defenders to play well in Week 2, along with DB Leon Hall (two tackles), DB Roy Williams (seven tackles), LB Dhani Jones (eight tackles) and LB Keith Rivers (six tackles).
Analysis: Maualuga, Rivers and Jones should be considered No. 3 LB option in IDP leagues for Week 3 against the Steelers. Hall is a No. 3 DB, and Williams is a good stop-gap option.
News: Bengals cornerback Leon Hall has pleaded to a reduced charge in his drunken driving case, allowing him to avoid jail time. Hall pleaded guilty on Monday to a misdemeanor charge of reckless operation of a vehicle. A Clermont County Municipal Court judge sentenced him to attend a three-day program that deals with how alcohol and drugs affect driving. The rest of his 30-day sentence was suspended. Hall also must perform 64 hours of community service. Hall was arrested on April 5. The Ohio State Highway Patrol said he had a blood-alcohol content of 0.149; the state's legal limit is 0.08.
Analysis: Hall is now subject to a suspension for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy, and he could be out for a game or two. Normally, he's nothing more than a one-week replacement off the waiver wire to begin with.
News: Bengals DB Leon Hall made three interceptions in a Week 16 win over the Browns, returning one for a touchdown. "I read the quarterback's eyes," said Hall, who came into the game without an interception this season. "I read the receiver and I jumped the route. It felt good to take it all the way."
Analysis: Hall had a solid rookie season in 2007 with five interceptions and 68 tackles, but he hadn't been the same ball-hawking DB this season until Sunday. While his outing was impressive, he should be ignored in Week 17 vs. Kansas City.
News: Bengals LB Dhani Jones led the team in tackles in Week 14's loss to the Colts with nine. Defensive back Leon Hall had seven in the game to finish second tied with Rashad Jeanty and Kyries Hebert.
Analysis: Keep Jones active in all IDP formats as a solid starting LB as he's set to smash his career best in tackles. Hall is not considered a worthy Fantasy IDP option in Week 15 against Washington and neither are Hebert or Jeanty.
News: Cincinnati DB Leon Hall had six tackles to lead the Bengals in Week 11's tie with the Eagles.
Analysis: Hall has 39 tackles in 10 games this season and is not considered a worthy Fantasy IDP option in Week 12 at Pittsburgh.
News: Bengals DB Leon Hall had five interceptions to lead the team in 2007. Hall, a rookie from Michigan, appeared in all 16 games with 10 starts. He had 67 tackles (53 solo) with one forced fumble.
Analysis: Hall had a solid rookie season and should be considered a No. 3 DB in IDP leagues in 2008. Hopefully he can duplicate this type of performance and continue to get interceptions.
News: Bengals DBs Jonathan Joseph and Leon Hall each had an interception Sunday against the Browns. Joseph also added seven tackles, and Hall had five tackles.
Analysis: Consider Joseph and Hall low-end No. 3 DBs in IDP leagues for Week 17 at Miami.
News: The Bengals will start Johnathan Joseph and rookie Leon Hall at cornerback in Week 12 vs. Tennessee, benching veteran Deltha O'Neal.
Analysis: The switch might improve the Bengals' pass defense a smidge, but not enough for your opinion on the Bengals DST to change. As for Joseph and Hall in IDP league play, neither one should start on your roster at this time.
News: Bengals LB Dhani Jones (seven tackles), DB Madieu Williams (five tackles, sack), DB Leon Hall (five tackles), LB Landon Johnson (five tackles), DL Robert Geathers (five tackles, 1.5 sacks) and DL Bryan Robinson (half a sack) all helped out in Cincinnati's 35-27 loss to the Cardinals in Week 11.
Analysis: Johnson and Geathers have some value as backups at their respective positions heading into Week 12 against the Titans.
News: Bengals DB Leon Hall had five tackles and an interception Sunday against the Ravens.
Analysis: Hall is a low-end DB in IDP leagues, but hopefully he can duplicate this performance in Week 11 against the Cardinals.
News: Bengals rookie DB Leon Hall made his third interception of the year when he picked off J.P. Losman in Cincinnati's 33-21 loss to the Bills in Week 9. Hall also made four tackles.
Analysis: Hall is having a solid rookie season, but doesn't make enough plays to be more than a low-end backup DB in IDP formats. The Bengals visit Baltimore in Week 10.
News: Leon Hall gets another chance. The rookie cornerback is expected to make his second start Sunday for the Cincinnati Bengals, whose defense is depleted by injury and suspension heading into a pivotal game at Kansas City. Starter Johnathan Joseph, a first-round pick last year, will serve a one-game suspension from the NFL for violating its substance abuse policy, the result of his arrest for marijuana possession earlier this year. Hall, the Bengals' first-round pick this year out of Michigan, started the season opener, when Joseph was recovering from a foot injury. He has been an extra cornerback on passing downs in the last three games.
Analysis: It's a critical game for Cincinnati (1-3), which can't afford to fall farther behind in the AFC North. And the rookie cornerback knows he'll be targeted when the Chiefs throw the ball. "I hope so," Hall said Thursday. "It's a good thing to have them not throw your way, kind of a respect thing. At the same time, you don't get to make interceptions and breakups. I hope they come after me and test me. I feel I've had a good week of practice." Hall leads the team with two interceptions -- he picked off Tom Brady in a 34-13 loss to New England heading into the Bengals' bye week -- and has knocked down four passes, tied for second on the team. He has a bright future in this league, but is nothing more than a low-end Fantasy DB until the stats start rolling in.
News: Notable Bengals defenders from Week 3 at Seattle include: CB Deltha O'Neal and LB John Thornton (six solo tackles each), FS Madieu Williams (six solo tackles and an interception off a tipped ball), DL Mike Myers (four solo hits and a sack), LB Lemar Marshall (three solo tackles, one sack), CB Leon Hall (one solo tackle, one interception) and LB Landon Johnson (six total tackles).
Analysis: Of these players, Williams and Johnson are the only ones useful in IDP league play. The Bengals play vs. New England in Week 4.
News: Bengals first-round draft pick Leon Hall started in Cincinnati's Week 1 victory over the Ravens, playing the right cornerback slot instead of Johnathan Joseph. He tallied four tackles and two passes defended in the win.
Analysis: Hall was a stud CB at Michigan and could become a solid NFL defender. Keep an eye on his progress as he is a sleeper in IDP leagues. The Bengals head to Cleveland in Week 2.
News: Bengals DB Leon Hall (illness) went through a full practice Thursday after having a limited workout Wednesday.
Analysis: Hall, who was taken 18th overall, set a Michigan record for passes defended (43) and tied for fourth in career interceptions (12). Hall is a terrific cornerback who should start right away for the Bengals and help their sagging secondary. He'll be a good reserve DB in IDP league play.
News: The Cincinnati Bengals signed first-round draft pick Leon Hall to a five-year deal Saturday, and he reported to training camp in Georgetown, Ky., in time for the team's second practice session of the day. Hall, a cornerback from Michigan, missed Friday's opening session. He was the last of the team's seven draft picks to sign and report to camp. "We're excited to have Leon here, and I compliment our management and his representatives for getting the contract finished," coach Marvin Lewis said. "Now it's time for Leon to take advantage of a great opportunity and make us a better football team."
Analysis: Hall, who was taken 18th overall, set a Michigan record for passes defended (43) and tied for fourth in career interceptions (12). Hall is a terrific cornerback who should start right away for the Bengals and help their sagging secondary. He'll be a good reserve DB in IDP league play.
News: Aside from second-round pick RB Kenny Irons, the Bengals' 2007 draft class includes: Michigan CB Leon Hall, TCU FS Marvin White, Nevada QB Jeff Rowe, Oregon DT Matt Toeaina, Notre Dame OG Dan Santucci and Notre Dame SS Chinedum "Nedu' Ndukwe.
Analysis: Only Fantasy owners in IDP leagues should pay attention here as Rowe won't be anything more than the club's No. 3/emergency QB in 2007. Hall is a terrific cornerback who should start right away for the Bengals and help their sagging secondary. He'll be a good reserve DB in IDP league play. White is a fast safety who should be a difference maker once he gets a chance, while the others will provide team depth at their respective positions.
