David Hawthorne

38-Year-Old LinebackerLB

Free Agent

2023 Defense Stats

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SACKS

0.0

INT

2024 Projections

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2023 Fantasy Outlook

There was no outlook written for David Hawthorne in 2023. Check out the latest news below for more on his current fantasy value.

Height 6'0"

Weight 246

DOB 5/14/1985

College TCU

Released on Tuesday

LBFree Agent

Hand

August 30, 2016

Hawthorne (hand) was released by the Bills on Tuesday.

ANALYSIS
The veteran linebacker signed on with the Bills on Aug. 7, but has since fractured his hand, which will result in an extended absence from the field. The Bills decided it would be better to let the 31-year-old linebacker walk than to keep him around while he nurses the injury.

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NFL Stats

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2023 David Hawthorne Split Stats

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Past Fantasy Outlooks

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

Often under-appreciated, Hawthorne - when healthy - has been a viable IDP option in most fantasy leagues. From 2009 to 2011, he averaged 113 tackles per season in Seattle. Signed by the Saints in 2012, Hawthorne has dealt with a variety of injuries, missing nine total games over the past three years. Still, when on the field, he has been a valuable IDP contributor, racking up 174 tackles and six sacks in his last two seasons, despite inconsistent playing time. Entering 2015, Hawthorne is completely healthy and is expected to compete for a starting position at inside linebacker, though he will have to fend off 2015 first-round draft pick Stephone Anthony for playing time. If Hawthorne can secure the starting gig, and more importantly, stay healthy, he has a chance to be a steal in IDP leagues.

With Jonathan Vilma appearing in only one game due to injuries, Hawthorne started at linebacker in his second season with the Saints, finishing the year with 91 tackles (60 solo) and three sacks in 16 games. Hawthorne will once again start at linebacker for New Orleans, which makes him an appealing IDP option after he returned to form last year following an injury-plagued 2012 campaign.

Hawthorne managed just 38 tackles in 11 games as he battled injuries for much of the season, snapping his streak of years recording 100 tackles at three. Hawthorne, still only 27 years old, will compete for a starting position at inside linebacker in the Saints new 3-4 defense. If he can secure a starting spot, he could be a strong sleeper option in IDP drafts.

Hawthorne probably won’t approach the tackle totals posted by Curtis Lofton given that he’ll play further away from the point of attack on the outside, but Hawthorne is a good player who should maintain relevance as an IDP no matter the specifics of his role this year. He totaled 338 tackles the last three years for Seattle, and he consistently made big plays in coverage over the same span, intercepting seven passes and returning one for a touchdown. That interception production could be useful in the pass-happy NFC South.

Despite playing alongside a fourth overall pick (Aaron Curry) and a second-round pick (Lofa Tatupu), the undrafted Hawthorne likely has emerged as the top linebacker for the Seahawks. Hawthorne has demonstrated a well-rounded game on the outside, totaling 223 tackles (169 solo), four sacks, four interceptions and five forced fumbles the last two years. That sort of balance between tackle, sack and turnover production is an ideal trait in IDPs. Despite the team’s logjam at linebacker, don’t expect Seattle to implement a rotation at Hawthorne’s expense. He’s too good to be on the bench.

Hawthorne took over at linebacker last year when Lofa Tatupu went down with a season-ending injury and proceeded to turn himself into a viable weekly IDP option. He finished with 117 tackles, totaling double-digit tackles in five of the 11 games he started (he had nine tackles each in two other games). He added four sacks and three interceptions. The problem this season is playing time. Linebacker is Seattle's most talented defensive position with Tatupu anchoring the middle and Leroy Hill and Aaron Curry on the outside. Hill's legal trouble could open the door for Hawthorne. If he gets on the field enough, he could be a useful IDP option this season, though lining up at OLB likely will provide fewer tackling opportunities than last season at ILB.

More Fantasy News

Suffers fracture in hand

LBBuffalo Bills

Hand

August 30, 2016

Hawthorne has a fracture in his hand, but isn't expected to miss an extended period of time, Joe Buscaglia of WKBW.com reports.