This isn't what I was expecting from Hawk

[GBRulz]

What I expected was to hear a lot of news about how awesome he was, kind of like the news about Jennings. The way scouts and people talked about him before the draft was that he was going to terrorize people with his blend of instints and speed. I'm not doubting that he is going to be great and DROY, I totally agree with that but I expected him to destroy people out there. And I thought that he was better in coverage but I guess that going from a Zone-run defense to a more Man-to-Man defense could take some time.

I see what you're saying here...but, any player that was drafted WITHOUT having the expectations of being an immediate contributer IS going to get alot of praise. Simply because it wasn't something we had expected. Also, the WR group is thin on talent, so I think jennings has a bigger chance to shine.

With Hawk, the media hypes him up so we expect results right away and when he isn't living up to those expectations immediately, people are quick to speculate. He is a month behind, practice-wise, then Jennings too, that makes a big difference. Drafted high like this or not, it's very rare that a rookie comes out of the gates at full-speed. gotta give this kid a chance!!

[cheesner]

Hawk is a guy who plays up to his competition.

He had his best game against Texas. Had a couple sacks on Vince Young and an interception. Not shining right away will only inspire him to work and study harder. I have no worries.

He will work and he will get there.

[woodbuck27]

What I expected was to hear a lot of news about how awesome he was, kind of like the news about Jennings. The way scouts and people talked about him before the draft was that he was going to terrorize people with his blend of instints and speed. I'm not doubting that he is going to be great and DROY, I totally agree with that but I expected him to destroy people out there. And I thought that he was better in coverage but I guess that going from a Zone-run defense to a more Man-to-Man defense could take some time.

Greg Jennings has been at practise more, due to HAWK's College commitments (wondering about that - why - am I mistaken?) and they play different positions.

HAWK is now plunged into learning the nuances of OUR Defense. Hasn't Greg Jennings had more time to feel comfortable in OUR Offense?

Greg Jenning is also, as I see him - something special. Confident - RIGHT !

[Badgepack]

I am more interested in Hawk's play in the next 10-12 years, not so much in the very first week of practice.

[RashanGary]

I've never seen a LB shine in first contact drills. Wait untill preseason games and then we'll get a look.

Jennings can catch. Lineman can play 100%. LB's can't tackle.

[Willard]

My expectations for Hawk are not unrealistic. I simply expect him to put Grossman & Benson in the hospital on September 10. Is that too much to ask?

[Fosco33]

My expectations for Hawk are not unrealistic. I simply expect him to put Grossman & Benson in the hospital on September 10. Is that too much to ask?

LOL. I'm not sure I can wish for someone to be hurt that bad - especially Grossman - I'd rather play him than Griese.

Kharma....

[HarveyWallbangers]

I've never seen a LB shine in first contact drills. Wait untill preseason games and then we'll get a look.

Jennings can catch. Lineman can play 100%. LB's can't tackle.

Well said. In fact, watching him in college, Hawk's best attribute was his ability to tackle. His best attribute can't even be displayed right now.

[ND72]

i read a few of the replies to the story, and i had to put in my 2-sense....

#1, today, friday, marks the fact we've been in camp for 1 week...please remember that.

#2, He's a rookie. He's in a new town, a new team, with nobody he'd really know as a "comfort" like he had with Bobby Carpenter who he lived with for 5 years at OSU. He's learning new techniques and all that stuff. If you don't know football, that is the worst part. Go from understanding everything and being a monster, to knowing nothing, and having to relearn everything...AND, then to top it off, not being able to do what he does best, making tackles.

#3, Wait until he gets some games in. Once he's able to perform and do things full speed with no restrictions, things change quickly, and practice "things" start to click.


I'm not worried at all. On monday when i was at practice I watched Hawk a lot, and I said he's exactly what I'm expecting of a rookie 1 week into practice. There were times he looked a little confused, but he played at 200 mph. But he asked a lot of questions to the coaches and Barnett and taylor. Every thing I've read on Hawk is he gets better every day, and learns more and more everyday. So give it time.

I also wanna say that the guy who wrote that story, has been anti-AJ Hawk since we drafted him. So his story might be a bit 1-sided.

[Scott Campbell]

I've never seen a LB shine in first contact drills. Wait untill preseason games and then we'll get a look.

Jennings can catch. Lineman can play 100%. LB's can't tackle.

Camp is just a week old and already the Packers have an inkling that Hodge could start blowing people up when the rough stuff arrives.

"He had a hell of a day (Wednesday)," McCarthy said. "He stoned the fullback a couple times. I think the kid's really picked it up."

McCarthy on Hodge.

One rookie linebacker has managed to shine, at least in the eyes of the head coach.

I fully realize it's way too early to panic. All I'm saying is that I'd rather be reading a bunch of accolades than what's been written about Hawk to this point.

[b bulldog]

Way to early to be worried about Hawk although I stated before that the difference between Hawk and the other top LB's in the draft was very small and good LB's could still be had in rounds two and three. I think he will be fine once the tackling starts although IMO, Hodge will be the top Packer LB to be drafted in this class.

[Bretsky]

Bulldog,

I'll say this; LBers had a run by the time Green Bay picked in round two. The difference was greater than I thought it would be. D'quell Jackson was still available I think. Hodge. But the LB's were off the board fast.

[HarveyWallbangers]

You can't assess a LB without full contact. How is it that Hodge blew up the fullback when there isn't full contact?

[b bulldog]

B, I agree except I was in favor of trading down and picking up a 2 or a 3. This early in camp, this post is a bit premature.

[Rastak]

You can't assess a LB without full contact. How is it that Hodge blew up the fullback when there isn't full contact?

Yup.....let's watch the preseason games before judging anything.
Word out of Vikings camp is Nappy Harris is playing very well....it's practice, big deal. Show me in a game situation.