A.J. Hawk LB 6’1 238 Ohio St.
By: Robert Davis

A.J Hawk is going to go down as one of the best linebackers in the history of Ohio St and college football. This is his third year as a starter, and he has led the team in tackles since his sophomore season. That year, he tallied 106 tackles, with 13 of them for loss, and two interceptions. As a junior, he was named to everyone’s All American lists and was the Big 10’s Defensive Player of the Year after finishing the season with 141 tackles, 8 for loss, and two interceptions. He capped off his brilliant career this season with another Big 10 DPOY award after notching 121 tackles, 16.5 for loss, 9.5 sacks, and one interception.

Hawk is the prototype at linebacker. He’s strong, physical, and plays with a nasty streak. His best asset is the way he approaches the game and the intensity he plays with. Hawk will stick his nose anywhere the ball goes and most of the time comes up with the tackle. He is a very good athlete, with very good closing speed, and makes plays sideline to sideline.

Physically, the only problem with Hawk is the lack of ideal height. At a listed 6’1, he is a bit short for an NFL linebacker. On the field, he goes full tilt all the time, and sometimes it will result in him taking himself out of plays.

A.J. Hawk is arguably the top defender in this draft, and is without question the top linebacker. His combination of talent and tenacity is rare, and any NFL team would love to have him. He should be one of the first defenders off the board, and could end up cracking the Top 10.