David Hawthorne’s new role in the New Orleans defense is anything but.
Hawthorne, who has shifted to middle linebacker this spring and summer to compete at the spot formerly occupied by Curtis Lofton, is back to where his career began.
Now, all Hawthorne has to do to stay in that role is hold off a challenge from promising first-round pick Stephone Anthony, a player who caught on quickly during the Saints’ summer practices and turned heads with several eye-popping plays in coverage.
“Every year, a rookie comes in at my position,” Hawthorne said. “There’s nothing different.