Sean Payton says David Hawthorne will replace Curtis Lofton at middle linebacker
 

It appeared the New Orleans Saints created a significant hole in the defense's starting lineup after releasing middle linebacker Curtis Lofton earlier this month. Saints coach Sean Payton had a plan in place, however, and said Wednesday David Hawthorne will shift over to replace Lofton.

The Saints retained Hawthorne, who initially looked to be a prime candidate to become a salary cap casualty, this offseason. He agreed to take a pay cut and the Saints unloaded Lofton, who was set to count more than $9 million against the 2015 salary cap.

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Re: Sean Payton says David Hawthorne will replace Curtis Lofton at middle linebacker
 

I like it.

Re: Sean Payton says David Hawthorne will replace Curtis Lofton at middle linebacker
 

Weakside ILB is where Ellerbe had success in Baltimore so that's a good idea.

Re: Sean Payton says David Hawthorne will replace Curtis Lofton at middle linebacker
 

So, Ellerbe and Hawthorne get to play the position where they exceled before.........it sounds like a recipe for success. I am so tired of moving someone to a position because there is a deficiency at the spot.

Re: Sean Payton says David Hawthorne will replace Curtis Lofton at middle linebacker
 

hes better in coverage than lofton

Re: Sean Payton says David Hawthorne will replace Curtis Lofton at middle linebacker
 

Championship!

Re: Sean Payton says David Hawthorne will replace Curtis Lofton at middle linebacker
 

if Ellerbe pans out, huge help

Re: Sean Payton says David Hawthorne will replace Curtis Lofton at middle linebacker
 

This is all pre-draft though... I'm sure if we draft a guy like Stephone Anthony or Benardrick McKinney we could see things play out differently.

Re: Sean Payton says David Hawthorne will replace Curtis Lofton at middle linebacker
 

This is initially where I pictured him fitting in the Saints' defense back when the possibility of signing him first surfaced. Then I was really surprised when they also signed Lofton, who seemed like someone with a similar skillset and best fit to play the same spot as Hawthorne.

Hopefully Hawthorne can regain some semblance of his good form with Seattle, although it's years and couple of injuries later.

Re: Sean Payton says David Hawthorne will replace Curtis Lofton at middle linebacker
 

Hawthorn played OLB in a 4-3. JR was at DE. So if we go 4-3 that will put 2 ILB'ers out of place if we run a 3-4 both need to stay on the inside.