Scout's Notebook: Saints SLB David Hawthorne

Notes: Signed by the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 2008 after serving as a 3½-year starter at TCU. Saw action primarily on special teams in 14 games as a rookie, recording 12 tackles. Stepped into the starting lineup for an injured Lofa Tatupu at the MLB spot in ’09 for the final 11-of-16 games, recording a team-best 117 tackles, four sacks, five pass breakups, three interceptions and two forced fumbles. Moved to the strong side and started all 16 contests in ’10, finishing with 75 tackles, four pass breakups, an interception and three forced fumbles. Moved back to his more natural "Mike" position in ’11 and started 14-of-15 games in which he played, recording 115 tackles, six pass breakups and three interceptions, one of which he returned for a 77-yard TD. Signed by the Saints to a five-year contract with a $19 million max value. Started the first three games for New Orleans on the weak side before tearing his right hamstring against the Chiefs and missing five games. Returned to the lineup on the strong side following the return of Jonathan Vilma from suspension, and has recorded 24 tackles in seven starts.

Positives: Outstanding work habits. Extremely tough and competitive. Plays hard. Is aggressive filling downhill and strikes with some thump as a tackler. Good straight-line closing speed. Above-average eyes and instincts. Smart and accountable and takes the game very seriously. Leader by example. Will battle through pain. Excellent weight-room worker. Good special-teams effort and production.