With the fifth pick in the NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers selected linebacker A.J. Hawk of Ohio State University. Hawk was considered the best linebacker in the draft and will give the Packers a guy who will fly around the field on every single play, looking to make a play.

The Packers may have leaned towards offense in this draft if Brett Favre did agree to stay with the team. The team strongly considered selecting tight end Vernon Davis due to the future he could build with Aaron Rodgers, but took a defensive direction instead. There's a chance that Bobby Carpenter could still be on the board when the Packers select in the second round, which would be very interesting to see if the Packers take the outstanding duo.

Scouting Information on Hawk: A.J. Hawk attended Ohio State University and is considered the best linebacker and defensive player in the draft. He was the staple for OSU's defense throughout his college career, making a name for himself as a player who is always on top of the football. He could have entered the draft last year and gone in the first round, but now he'll be drafted even higher after another outstanding season.

When you're a linebacker that's gifted with tremendous physical ability, you will do well in the NFL. However, it's rare that you have a linebacker with that ability plus the natural instincts to attack the football. On almost every single play, it would seem like Hawk would be involved. When a running back gets to the football, he is able to chase him down behind the line of scrimmage numerous times in a game. He knows how to tackle, and he takes down players hard. The only negative to Hawk's aggressive nature is that he will sometimes overrun the ball carrier once they make a quick change of direction. Although this could be a problem in the NFL, it is something that can be worked on through his intelligence and willingness to give it his all on every single play.

Hawk is the best linebacker in the draft and will be the first defensive player taken. He could go as high as the fifth pick in the draft.