Falcons NFL Draft Profile: Breaking Down S Jaylinn Hawkins

The Atlanta Falcons needed depth at safety with Keanu Neal missing much of the last two seasons with leg injuries.

The Atlanta Falcons needed depth at safety with Keanu Neal missing much of the last two seasons with leg injuries. Using their second fourth-round pick on Jaylinn Hawkins makes a ton of sense when looking for depth at safety and an addition as a core-four special teams player.

Hawkinns’ Combine/Pro Day Measurables

Athleticism is a question when looking at his pro-day and combine results because they just aren’t there. However, he has long arms and a larger frame for a safety at a projected 6-foot-1, 208 pounds. The film on him does show comparable athleticism to Keanu Neal and Sharrod Neasman.

Stats

2019: 13 Games Played, 56 Tackles, 4.5 Tackles for Loss, 2.0 Sacks, 3 Interceptions, 2 Fumbles Forced, 2 Pass Deflections, 2 Kick Returns, 47 Kick Return Yards

2018: 13 Games Played, 33 Tackles, 3.5 Tackles for Loss, 1 QB Hurry, 6 Interceptions, 3 Pass Deflections, 4 Kick Returns, 38 Kick Return Yards

2017: 11 Games Played, 41 Tackles, 1.5 Tackles for Loss, 1 Interception, 1 Fumble Forced, 1 Pass Deflection, 3 Kick Returns, 44 Kick Return Yards

2016: 12 Games Played, 29 Tackles

2015: 1 Game Played, 1 Pass Deflection, Red-shirted after 1 game

The most surprising thing about Hawkins is how productive he was as a safety in the Pac-12. He didn’t get a ton of tackles, but his role kept him away from the ball unless it was thrown in his vicinity. The Falcons got a guy who seems to be a solid tackler on film but still needs to work on his technique. However, he is a true ball-hawk from cursory looks at things.

Highlights

How does he fit on the field?

Early in his career, the Falcons will look to use Hawkins as pure depth behind Keanu Neal and Sharrod Neasman at strong safety. His best fit is playing on special teams where he should be part of the “core four” units: punting, punt returning, kickoffs and kickoff returns. Atlanta got a guy who plays hard to be around the ball and create turnovers.

This will be useful if he’s forced onto the field due to injury. However, the Falcons are going to keep him on the special teams units early on in his career and could even see him make some cameos on the field goal blocking unit. Atlanta made a smart pick for this season’s depth, but this could be worth even more as he develops.

How does he fit the Comrade Filter?

Hawkins was a leader in his unit during his time at Cal, but more than that, he was a game captain for a couple of games there. He never got arrested or suspended and seems to be a hard-working leader who plays like he has that “dawg” in him. His swagger on the field should rub off onto the other players and allow the team to have more confidence in their special teams units.

How does he fit into the long-term plans for the Falcons?

For the long term, there’s a lot of questions about how Hawkins can fit. It’s all about how he develops and how the contract situations for Ricardo Allen, Damontae Kazee and Keanu Neal all play out. But if he develops into a competent starting strong safety who has some additional ball skills, the Falcons could have a true successor to Neal. Worst case, Hawkins will provide good depth and has a ton of special teams value.

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