The last time the Falcons emphasized defense in the draft was 2016. This draft is beginning to look similar as they add yet another difference-maker with the safety from California, Jaylinn Hawkins.
Hawk ➡️ Falcons
Congrats @jhawko6! #NFLDraft | #ProBears | #EarnIt pic.twitter.com/AhMZOILGbY
— Cal Football (@CalFootball) April 25, 2020
Hawkins standing at 6’1″ 208 pounds has the physical traits that Dan Quinn looks for. A three-year starter for the California Golden Bears, Hawkins has turned into a stout run stopper. He will be a player who can slide into the box and play physical at the line of scrimmage. He was recruited to play wide receiver, so he is a bit raw, but he carries the traits that you need in a player his size.
Hawkins has 10 interceptions over the last three years and has the instincts to pluck the ball out of the air. He may be a player that will need some time to develop and was also a player who was close to having an undraftable grade.
At the end of the day, the grades don’t matter if he is a fit that makes sense for the Falcons defense. I would consider Hawkins to be a Keanu Neal “lite” who can come in and compete and may need to be ready early on if Neal continues to battle injuries.
Jaylinn Hawkins is my favorite sleeper safety right now. I’m a fan.
— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) March 2, 2020
Now we wait until round 7.
Picks Remaining:
- Round 7, No. 228 overall
Rise Up!
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