Hawk shows Packers his work ethic
The Green Bay Packers drafted the kind of mind that every team envies when it’s their turn on the clock. Although, he’ll miss about six practices while finishing classes at Ohio State, AJ Hawk impressed at his first taste of mini camp.
Hawk went through a series of drills, got acquainted with his new teammates and said hello to the fans. But afterwards, is where he made the biggest contribution to his teammates, fans and the organization that drafted him.
The 6-foot-1, 246-pound Hawk was the last player in the locker room early Friday evening.
“I enjoy working out after practice,” he said. “A couple of linebackers wanted to watch the practice film and we needed to. I definitely needed to watch my mistakes so I don’t make the same (ones today).”
Hawk said he had no plans to unwind Friday night.
“We’re putting some more defense in (today),” he said. “All the rookies have to get in their playbook and make sure we know what’s going on.”
Armed with that kind of an attitude and dedication, the Packers have found a cornerstone on a defense that found itself in uncharted territory last season: on the other side of winning. Hawk will bring his speed and intensity to every game. He also will bring a sense of toughness and is a sound tackler across the board.
If Hawk shows the kind of work ethic throughout the season that he has shown thus far so early into his career, Green Bay will have an icon at linebacker for years to come.
The Packers draft more than just a talented player - they drafted a leader. Hawk is the kind of guy you build a team around. He will be the new leader of this defense and he will make everyone around him better. Packer fans should be thrilled.
Now let’s not get my hopes too high.
A lot of the experts are saying the Packers’ 3rd round pick, Hodge, was a steal…hopefully he and Hawk can bring stability to a LB unit that hasn’t been very good for a long time.
Hawk and Hodge and the rest of the moves the Pack has made on “D” are huge. Once these guys gel with each other and the rest of their teamates, they could be the anchors to a very scary defense…as vicious as the ‘85 Bears. If everything comes together, this will be a very fun “D” to watch for years to come. Hawk and Hodge were both “The” defensive leaders of their teams for years, and they are both unselfish players. I smell good things, Man. Good things !!
I like your optimism, CJ.
I sure hope that I’m wrong when I say this, but I see the Pack going nowhere but down.
Down from 4-12? Ouch.
hawk is the most intense linebacker ive seen since chris spielman and lawrence taylor—–he will have a hof career!!!!!!
I am From Iowa and I watched Hodge play his whole career there. I tell you what he is a badass when it comes to filling a whole and meeting that fullback head on and driving him back to wreck havoc in the backfield. I am a huge Packer fan and I loved that they stole him in the third round!!! I am hoping that the Pack can get Turner for a 2nd round pick and maybe some cash. Later, I hope they can pick up Reggie Nelson from Florida to make our young defense a special unit. A player I really like in this years draft is that Chris Houston from Arkansas, he is an exsplosive corner with potential to be a heavy hitter as well.
hole
Nick,
You’re one of many Packer fans who have made their way to the Scores Report, so welcome!
As of right now, I think Reggie Nelson will be there at No. 16, but not much later. In fact, from what I hear, Jacksonville LOVES him, so I don’t see him falling past the Jags at No. 17. I think Nelson is a true ballhawk and certainly would fit well in Green Bay…
I’ve been telling everyone who will listen about Chris Houston. Not many people agree, but I think he’s got a bigger upside than Leon Hall and Darrelle Revis, two of the higher rated corners in this year’s draft. I like Houston’s attitude, work ethic and confidence on the field. Not too mention his quickness and - as you noted Nick - his penchant for playing the run. I could see him going to New England late in the first round and Belicheck turning him into the next Asante Sameul.
AS
Anthony
I really believe Houston won’t make it to the Patriots, but if he does I think they will make him into a pro-bowler at either CB or S. Like I said before I am from Iowa and the Patriots turned a pretty good college CB in Ellis Hobbs (Iowa State) into a great player as well. One last thing to add……. I know the Patriots went through FA to get WR’S, but if they trade both of their 1st round picks to move up they could snag C. Johnson. How crazy would that be, just think of all the great acquisitions they would upgrade with - A. Thomas, Stallworth, W. Welker, and Calvin Johnson. Just think about it - T. Brady and C. Johnson on the same team!!!!