AJ Hawk is a LILB. I know there's more than just stats, but stats are numbers. AJ Hawk last year got 89 tackles, 1 sack, and 2 INTs.

I don't know off the top of my head who else plays the 3-4 as I like the Packers and pretty much hate everyone else, but I know the Ravens, the Jets, the Steelers, and the Patriots all use a 3-4. Now let's compare stats of other LILBs:

Ray Lewis got 133 tackles, 3 sacks, and no INTs.
James Farrior got 102, 3, 1
Bart Scott got 92, 1, 0
Brandon Spikes is a rookie

Hawk leads in INTs but has some catching up to do with Tackles. For a former high 1st round draft pick, he needs to pick up his game just a little.

However, he's far from a bust. He's never missed a game and he's almost Solid, if I had to rate his performance. Nick Barnett is our better LB.

Harrell is a bust. I'm hoping 2010 will remove that bust label, but up until this season, he qualifies as a bust. 13 games in 3 years. That's bust.

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Those are also numbers from his first season in a new system. I'm not sure how much difference that will actually make, but it is something to consider.

True Your Supreme Ruler.

I do think his 2nd season in the 3-4 will be better, as will Nick Barnett's. I know nothing about Defense but have heard from some reliable sources that the 2nd year in the 3-4 is usually a lot better as it takes 2 years to make the transition.

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Until Hawk starts playing with his instincts first.. he will be nothing more than a solid NFL backer.

And for me.. watching him in college and anticipating that to carry over to the pros.. he has been a bust of sorts for me personally.

He isn't a huge liability on the field, albeit he can't cover very well in man, he definitely hasn't produced at a + level either.

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I recall reading how awesome Hawk from many posters, but I think we were all on Packerforum then. Anyway he was tauted as the next hall of fame linebacker and so far we have gotten a serviceable player. Please define bust for me.

I actually don't mind Hawk, but I am bothered by his paycheck.

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Yes Pack, please define bust.

You can say "disappointment" after watching him in college, but when I think of bust, I think of someone who doesn't play either because he's too injured or he sucks.

Hawk has never missed a game. True he's not Patrick Willis, but he's been a decent starter. I wouldn't call him solid, but he's definitely better than "adequate," so somewhere between adequate and solid.

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He was touted as the next HoF linebacker? I remember it differently. I seem to remember that he was considered the safest pick in the draft, but not necessarily the next Urlacher.

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Define "bust"...

For me.. when I look at a player coming in, I set certain expectations on them based on past performance and how I think their game translates to the pros.. and if they don't hit those personal expectations, well they lean toward my bustville.

With Hawk, I seen a player that had just about as good of "in the box" instincts as they come.. a player that had a nose for the football... but I expected him to take some time adjusting to the pro style passing game because he played in the run dominate Big 10.

I expected him to be an attacking player in the running game and early on be a two down backer.. lifted in coverage until he adjusted.

Now.. I have said this a number of times, I personally think Moss might be the issue because this reactive approach is a common theme for all our inside backers.. like they are being coached up that way.. yet Moss has come out a number of times in the press begging them to let it loose.. something is amiss there.

Anyway.. Hawk is a player that seems about a beat or two late to the party.. and most of the time gets caught up in the fray because of it in the box.. then makes the play from behind.. he has the physical tools to do it.. just is tardy in his actions.

I think he is a very average linebacker in the NFL in most aspects, but has above average physical skills that flash here and there.

He isn't a washout player.. say like a Carroll.. but he definately hasn't reached his potential as a pro either.. in my opinion.. which is, like the term or not.. a bust.

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Everyone is entitled to their respective opinions. As much as Hawk frustrates me, in NO way do I consider him a bust. No way, no how. He's just an average to above average player. A disappointment given his draft status perhaps, but no bust.

I guess everyone has their individual perspectives on what a bust is exactly . . .

Failing to meet expectations... what else would you call it?

Okay.. don't like bust.. then how about underachieving. 😉

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