Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Michael Hawthorne (Purdue) - 2000 NFL Draft Pick #195 by NO

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Michael Hawthorne (Purdue)

Position: Defensive Back

Height: 6'0"

Weight: 200 lbs

Overview

Michael Hawthorne was an intriguing prospect heading into the 2000 NFL Draft, primarily due to his physical attributes and versatility as a defensive back. Having played at Purdue, he showcased a combination of size and athleticism that made him a desirable candidate for NFL teams looking to bolster their secondary.

Strengths

• Size and Athleticism: Hawthorne possessed an ideal frame for a defensive back, allowing him to match up against bigger receivers.
• Versatility: He demonstrated the ability to play both cornerback and safety, providing teams with flexibility in their defensive schemes.
• Physical Play: Hawthorne was known for his aggressive tackling and willingness to support the run, which is a valuable trait for a defensive back.
• Ball Skills: He showed solid ball-hawking skills during his college career, contributing interceptions and pass breakups.

Weaknesses

• Inconsistency: At times, Hawthorne struggled with consistency in coverage, leading to concerns about his ability to handle top-tier NFL receivers.
• Technique: His technique needed refinement, particularly in backpedaling and changing direction, which could hinder his effectiveness in man coverage.
• Injury History: There were some concerns regarding his durability, as injuries had limited his playing time in crucial moments during his college career.

Draft Projection

Michael Hawthorne was projected to be selected in the third to fourth round of the 2000 NFL Draft. Teams were attracted to his potential and physical tools, but his inconsistent play and injury history raised some red flags.

Conclusion

Michael Hawthorne was seen as a player with significant upside, but one that would require development at the professional level. His ability to contribute on special teams and possibly fill different roles in the secondary made him a valuable draft pick for teams looking to enhance their defensive backfield.