Some of Hawthorne's drop-off can likely be attributed to the knee (which I think wasn't really "right" all season...well enough to play, but not at 100%, and Hawthorne's not such an elite talent that 80-90% is necessarily good enough), but you can't argue that he backslid some in '11.
However, I'm still leery of jumping on the Wright Wagon just yet. Still far from certain Hawthorne isn't brought back, and even if he ain't there's no guarantee that Wright's ready/able to take over at MLB in Seattle or that if the 'Hawks have decided to move on they won't address the position in free agency or the draft.
I think that would be more likely if they do let Hawthorne go. SLB isn't a "sexy" position, and with precious few exceptions it's an IDP wasteland, but it can be a very important slot in a 4-3 NFL wise, and given how well Wright played there last year they may not want to fix what ain't broke.
If I can get Wright for nothing or close to it then why the hell not, but it's WAY too early to go anointing folks.
Don't give up on Hawthorne either. He's a 26 year-old linebacker with more talent than he gets credit for, he still managed 115 tackles in 2011, and if Seattle does show him the door there should still be at least a few spots he could land in where he'd be at least an IDP LB2. (Philly, New York, Miami depending on what the scheme switch means, Cincy, New Orleans, Detroit if Tulloch bolts, etc.)
Long story short while it's a story worth mentioning (
I did, before coming here to check on the store) it's still way too soon to start making personnel moves based off one beat writer's speculations.
Carts and horses kids. Get the yips you'll end up with the IDP equivalent of
Charles Barkley's golf swing.
Login
Register
FAQ
