PRO: Jason Hatcher looks to see an expanded role on the defensive line in 2009 after the loss of Chris Canty to free agency. While increasing his production in each of his first three seasons, he is still a raw talent that has filled in nicely in the defensive line rotation during his career and has shown his ability as a pass rusher when called upon. He is a physical player that adds size to the defensive line and should continue to improve with more experience and knowledge of the game.
TRANSACTION SUMMARY:
4/29/06: Drafted in the third round (92nd overall) by Dallas.
2008:
Registered career-highs in tackles (36) and quarterback pressures (15) along with one sack, a tackle for loss and a pass breakup while playing in all 16 contests.
Posted a season-high five tackles at St. Louis (10/19).
Recorded his first sack of the season at Pittsburgh (12/7) while also notching a season-high tying five tackles.
2007:
Played in all 16 games in the defensive line rotation recording 35 tackles, two sacks, three tackles for a loss, nine quarterback pressures and one forced fumble.
Recorded his first sack of the season at Buffalo (10/8) along with three tackles, two pressures and a tackle for loss.
Had his first career fumble recovery which he returned 27 yards for a touchdown following a Greg Ellis sack and forced a fumble of Tom Brady against New England (10/14). Also added one tackle for loss.
Forced a fumble that was recovered by Bradie James that led to a field goal against Minnesota (10/21). Also had two tackles.
Recorded a season-high and career-best seven tackles and one sack at Washington (12/30).
2006:
Played in 14 games as a rookie, missing two with an ankle sprain, and recorded 13 tackles, 2.5 sacks, one tackle for a loss and seven quarterback pressures.
In his NFL debut at Jacksonville (9/10), played mainly on third downs on the defensive line.
Recorded his first defensive statistic against Washington (9/17), splitting a sack with Ellis on the final play of the game and added two quarterback pressures.
Suffered a sprained ankle in the first half against Houston (10/15) causing him to miss the next two games.
Recorded two quarterback pressures against Indianapolis (11/19) and helped limit the Colts to a season-low 14 points.
Had his first solo sack - a 10-yard takedown of Bruce Gradkowski - and two tackles against Tampa Bay (11/23).
Posted a second quarter sack of Michael Vick on third down and added two tackles at Atlanta (12/16).
Against Philadelphia (12/25) had a season-high three tackles.
In his postseason debut at Seattle (1/6/07) recorded one quarterback pressure.
COLLEGE:
Finished his career at Grambling with 111 tackles, 31.5 tackles for a loss, and 18.5 sacks.
Also had three passes defensed, 14 quarterback pressures, and three blocked kicks.
Recorded 65 tackles, including a season-high eight stops in three different games in his senior year.
Played his first full season at defensive end as a junior and finished the year with 33 tackles, 10 tackles for a loss and five sacks.
Also blocked two kicks and broke up one pass.
As a sophomore, started at tight end and caught one pass for 14 yards and a two-point conversion before moving to defensive end midway through the year.
Finished the season with 13 tackles, three sacks and one pass breakup.
Granted a medical redshirt after rupturing his right anterior cruciate ligament in 2002.
Was ineligible as a true freshman because of NCAA academic requirements.
PERSONAL:
Jason Dewayne Hatcher attended Jena, La., High School, where he lettered in football and basketball.
As a senior, helped his team go 10-3 and earned all-state honors after catching 28 passes for 1,028 yards as a tight end.
Majored in physical education at Grambling and hopes to become a head football coach.
He and his wife, Natasha, have two sons, DiCarlos (12/17/99) and Jason, Jr., (12/21/06) and a daughter, Tamia (5/14/03).
