Saints’ David Hawthorne...Position Battle With Talented Rookie Brewing
 

July 08, 2015

David Hawthorne’s new role in the New Orleans defense is anything but.

Hawthorne, who has shifted to middle linebacker this spring and summer to compete at the spot formerly occupied by Curtis Lofton, is back to where his career began.

Now, all Hawthorne has to do to stay in that role is hold off a challenge from promising first-round pick Stephone Anthony, a player who caught on quickly during the Saints’ summer practices and turned heads with several eye-popping plays in coverage.

“Every year, a rookie comes in at my position,” Hawthorne said. “There’s nothing different. He’s good; he’ll be some good competition.”

...Unlike some rookies, Anthony has already adapted to the speed of the NFL game, and although there is still much to prove for front-seven players once the teams can go to full contact, Ryan has already said he expects Anthony to win a job.

Hawthorne himself has been impressed.

“He’s a good kid with a good head on his shoulders,” Hawthorne said. “He’s picking up things well. He’s athletic, he’s big, he’s smart; and he’ll be a good player in this league.”

If Anthony wins the starting job in the middle, Hawthorne could still slide back to the weak side and rotate with Ellerbe to help keep both veterans fresh.

But Hawthorne wasn’t focused on all of those possibilities during the Saints’ summer workouts. In a refrain that became common for Saints players in position races this summer, Hawthorne said he’s focused only on the task at hand.

The rest will work itself out.

“I never really thought about it,” Hawthorne said. “I just come out here and do what I have to do to prepare for the season.”

At whatever role he’s asked to play.

Read more: Saints’ David Hawthorne back to familiar middle linebacker role, but position battle with talented rookie brewing | Saints | The Advocate — Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Forget Nickelback, Slot Receiver, Tackle-Eligible - This Is The Most Important Competition for the 2015 Saints...:bng:

Re: Saints’ David Hawthorne...Position Battle With Talented Rookie Brewing
 

He might have to "hold him off" in a 4/3 but in a 3/4 they'll be side by side.

Re: Saints’ David Hawthorne...Position Battle With Talented Rookie Brewing
 

Ellerbe will be the other ILB with Anthony/Hawthorne; unless, God forbid, Ellerbe goes down...

Re: Saints’ David Hawthorne...Position Battle With Talented Rookie Brewing
 

I would love to see the 3-4 much more than the 4-3.

Re: Saints’ David Hawthorne...Position Battle With Talented Rookie Brewing
 

I agree. We're finally adding REAL 3-4 personnel.

Re: Saints’ David Hawthorne...Position Battle With Talented Rookie Brewing
 

Hawthorne's had enough time to impress and he's been mediocre. This is Anthony's defense now.

Re: Saints’ David Hawthorne...Position Battle With Talented Rookie Brewing
 

We still need a dominate NT to make a 3-4 set work. With Bunkely and Jenkins looking like they are servacable at best I'm hopeing our 5th rounder steps up and steals the show.

Re: Saints’ David Hawthorne...Position Battle With Talented Rookie Brewing
 

My hope is that big John is 100% healthy and has a productive training camp. It's time for him to bring it.

Re: Saints’ David Hawthorne...Position Battle With Talented Rookie Brewing
 

Exactly...

Look, Jenkins had a very impressive Rookie season, especially without Bunkley rotating when Brodrick got hurt in 2013...

Last season, Jenkins started the off-season with a torn pectoral muscle; so, that and with film on him teams had an edge...

He'll come back this season strong and re-dedicated...

We do need to keep looking to draft, sign top flight Nose Tackles for the defense to remain respectable at a minimum...

Re: Saints’ David Hawthorne...Position Battle With Talented Rookie Brewing
 

If all goes well Hawthorne will be the ultimate utility LB by seasons end. playing where ever needed. huge plus. but i am betting we get half way there and he ends up back at his old spot.

Re: Saints’ David Hawthorne...Position Battle With Talented Rookie Brewing
 

Pretty sure Anthony is already better than Hawthorne in pass coverage.

Re: Saints’ David Hawthorne...Position Battle With Talented Rookie Brewing
 

If Anthony makes half his tackles, he's better than Hawthorne (period)...

It's apparent that Hawthorne's best days were behind him before Loomis signed him...

Re: Saints’ David Hawthorne...Position Battle With Talented Rookie Brewing
 

Hawthorne has an uphill battle. It does help that he is back playing his position.

Re: Saints’ David Hawthorne...Position Battle With Talented Rookie Brewing
 

The best players play

Re: Saints’ David Hawthorne...Position Battle With Talented Rookie Brewing
 

Is that who the fans think are the best players or who the coaches think are the best players? :doh:

Re: Saints’ David Hawthorne...Position Battle With Talented Rookie Brewing
 

Really like the first part of your post; what worries me is if their is a reluctance to play the rookies...

Re: Saints’ David Hawthorne...Position Battle With Talented Rookie Brewing
 

That was when a 4-3 was being played. If we go 3-4 and neither Bunkley or Jenkins hold ground while taking on double teams I think we would have to go back to a 4-3, I hope they can if not I would see if the 5th round pick at NT could, quick. I like Davidson.

Re: Saints’ David Hawthorne...Position Battle With Talented Rookie Brewing
 

Well, John Jenkins and Brodrick Bunkley will tell you they were facing double teams at the Nose Tackle...

The only reason why we weren't more in a true 3-4 is because Parys Haralson lacked top end speed and Junior Gallete lacked range to cover and discipline against the run...

Personnel has changed dramatically this offseason, so we should see what has been talked about the past two offseasons...

Re: Saints’ David Hawthorne...Position Battle With Talented Rookie Brewing
 

and playing more 3-4 means we can rotate DT's more. Just get the freshest, most skilled players out there for each play, whether it's 3-4, 4-3, or nickel

Let's be honest- when we were running that 3 safety set we really just didn[t have much else