Fantasy: Reaction - David Hawthorne Joins the Saints

To coincide with their recent free agent acquisitions, the New Orleans Saints have added yet another free agent linebacker.  In addition to Curtis Lofton and Chris Chamberlain, the Saints signed former Seattle LB David Hawthorne earlier today.  A versatile linebacker who can play in the middle or outside, Hawthorne will likely open the season in the starting lineup.  Since no Saints’ LB recorded more than 62 solo tackles last year, Hawthorne should become a viable IDP option as well.

Hawthorne played great football for the Seahawks last season, leading them in tackles for the third consecutive year with 96, a mark good for 10th best among all linebackers. Furthermore, Hawthorne had seven tackles for a loss to go with three sacks and three interceptions.  In addition to strong statistics, Hawthorne also graded out well with PFF.  He received a run defense grade of +5.5 in addition to a +2.9 pass coverage grade, both of which contributed to his impressive overall grade of +8.9.  Hawthorne’s play-making ability will receive a warm welcome in New Orleans, where not a single linebacker was able to match his 2011 grades.

With recently-acquired linebacker Curtis Lofton likely playing in the middle, Hawthorne should have a starting job on the outside all but guaranteed.  His services should provide an instant upgrade over the Saints’ OLBs from 2011.  Scott Shanle (-14.0), JoLonn Dunbar (-25.5) and Jonathan Casillas (-11.2) all failed to grade positively in 2011.  Dunbar has left in free agency, but the other two shouldn't be anything more than role players in 2012.  This chart displays the level of production that Hawthorne has maintained over the past three seasons:

Considering that Jonathan Vilma will likely serve a lengthy suspension, David Hawthorne should see a lot of playing time for the saints in 2012.  Even in the unlikely scenario that Vilma doesn't get suspended, his poor performance in 2011, his age, and the Saints’ free agent linebacker acquisitions point to a reduced role for him.  As a result, Hawthorne should be drafted as a LB3 in your IDP league, with the potential to perform as a LB2.