Tag: Jaylinn Hawkins

Falcons recover fumble in end zone for TD after recovering Jeff Wilson fumble

A couple of fumbles on one play turned into an Atlanta Falcons TD

There was plenty of fumbling on one play in the San Francisco 49ers-Atlanta Falcons game on Sunday.

The 49ers’ Jimmy Garoppolo handed off to Jeff Wilson Jr., who fumbled the football.

It was recovered by A.J. Terrell and the Falcons’ DB took off for the end zone.

However, as he got near the goal line, Terrell lost the ball, too.

Fortunately for him, teammate Jaylin Hawkins was present and accounted for the football in the end zone.

After the PAT, the Falcons had a 14-0 lead over the NFC West leaders.

Falcons secondary lands in ‘serious flaws’ tier of PFF’s new rankings

The Falcons secondary was ranked 22nd overall by Pro Football Focus, landing in the “serious flaws” tier.

Despite playing in one of the NFL’s worst secondaries last season, Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell established himself as one of the best at his position. The former first-round pick earned second-team All-Pro honors in his second year out of Clemson.

While the future is obviously bright for Terrell, what about the rest of Atlanta’s secondary? On paper, it appears to have improved, mostly due to the addition of Pro Bowl cornerback Casey Hayward — who will give the Falcons a nice one-two punch on the outside.

It’s those other spots in the secondary, mainly at safety, where the questions remain.

Falcons DL John Cominsky returns to practice Monday

Cominsky suffered a head injury near the end of Atlanta’s preseason debut against Tennessee, and was put into the NFL’s concussion protocol.

The Atlanta Falcons still haven’t added a third quarterback to replace injured backup AJ McCarron, but the team did receive some good news on Monday when defensive lineman John Cominsky returned to the practice field after sitting out of Saturday’s preseason loss to the Miami Dolphins.

According to ESPN’s Michael Rothstein, Cominsky was back out there wearing a yellow non-contact jersey, while cornerback Kendall Sheffield was nowhere to be seen.

Cominsky suffered a head injury near the end of Atlanta’s preseason debut against the Tennessee Titans, and was put into the NFL’s concussion protocol. The versatile lineman is currently listed as one of two second-string defensive ends on the team’s unofficial depth chart.

As for Sheffield, he’s been out with an undisclosed injury that’s caused him to miss valuable time. In Sheffield’s absence, Chris Williamson has stepped up and appears on track to be the Falcons’ starting nickel corner.

Another player to watch in the secondary is safety Jaylinn Hawkins, who’s been running with the first team in place of Erik Harris at Monday’s practice.

[lawrence-related id=77368,77365,77344,77309]

[vertical-gallery id=77304]

Atlanta Falcons Week 7 injury designations: Takkarist McKinley Questionable

The Detroit Lions Week 7 opponent, the Atlanta Falcons, have released their injury designations ahead of Sunday’s game.

The Detroit Lions Week 7 opponent, the Atlanta Falcons, have released their injury designations and only one injured player is listed with an injury for this game: Takkarist McKinley.

Here’s a look at the Falcons’ full injury designations list.

Ruled OUT

Player Position Injury Designation
None

No players listed as OUT this week.

Questionable

Player Position Injury Designation
Takkarist McKinley EDGE Groin Questionable

McKinley did not play in the Falcons Week 6 game due to his groin injury and when this week’s practices began he was once again unable to participate on Wednesday or Thursday, but he did return to the practice field on Friday.

He has only played in three games this season, but McKinley has accounted for eight pressures and had a sack in Week 1.

He still seems like a longshot to play this Sunday, but the questionable designation gives him a chance. Expect the Falcons to re-examine him on Saturday and if he passes those physicals, then he could end up being a game-time decision.

No injury designation

Player Position Injury Designation
Julio Jones WR Hamstring No Designation
Calvin Ridley WR Elbow No Designation
Russell Gage WR Shoulder No Designation
Brandon Powell WR Elbow No Designation
Dante Fowler Jr. EDGE Ankle No Designation
Kendall Sheffield CB Foot No Designation
Jaylinn Hawkins SS Concussion No Designation

The seven players listed in this section are all nursing injuries and most — save Gage — saw at least one limited practice this week. Fortunately for the Falcons, they are all expected to be available for Sunday, as they will not carry an injury designation into the game.

Foye Oluokun gives first-hand look at camp during COVID-19 outbreak

The Atlanta Falcons drafted little-known linebacker Foye Oluokun out of Yale in the sixth round back in 2018.

The Atlanta Falcons drafted little-known linebacker Foye Oluokun out of Yale in the sixth round back in 2018. Now entering his third season with the team, Oluokun is set to start at outside linebacker after veteran De’Vondre Campbell left via free agency.

Oluokun’s 2020 training camp got off to a rocky start, though, as he was one of the first Falcons players to land on the reserve/COVID-19 list. While he’s since been activated, the pandemic has drastically changed camp life for players all over the league.

Atlanta’s starting linebacker gave a first-hand look at what training camp is like in the age of COVID-19. Watch the eight-minute video below, as shared by the team’s Twitter account.

[lawrence-related id=56588,56537,56535,56523]

[vertical-gallery id=56640]

Falcons activate DT Tyeler Davison from reserve/COVID-19 list

The Falcons received more good news on Wednesday afternoon as defensive tackle Tyeler Davison was activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list.

The Falcons received more good news on Wednesday afternoon as defensive tackle Tyeler Davison was activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list.

Davison was one of four players to come off of the NFL’s virus designation today, joining DB Jaylinn Hawkins, LB Foye Oluokun and QB Danny Etling back on the roster.

The remaining two Falcons on the list are CB Jamal Carter and FB Keith Smith. Atlanta’s roster number now goes up at 80 — which is where the team needs to be at by August 16.

[lawrence-related id=56069,56058,55908,56038,56012]

[vertical-gallery id=55909]

3 Falcons players return from the reserve/COVID-19 list

The Falcons were given quite the scare last week as six players were placed on the NFL’s reserve/COVID-19 list just a few days into 2020 training camp.

The Falcons were given quite the scare last week as six players were placed on the NFL’s reserve/COVID-19 list just a few days into 2020 training camp.

Fortunately, the team announced on Wednesday morning that LB Foye Oluokun, DB Jaylinn Hawkins and QB Danny Etling had already been activated from the league’s new virus designation.

Etling isn’t likely to make the roster, but has shown some promise and can bring some competition to Atlanta’s No. 3 QB spot. Meanwhile, Oluokun is expected to play a big role this season starting next to MLB Deion Jones.

As for Hawkins, it’s unclear just how much of a role he’ll have as the Falcons have two quality starters at safety and one of the best backups in the league in Damontae Kazee.

Atlanta still has three players, DT Tyeler Davison, FB Keith Smith and CB Jamal Carter, remaining on the league’s reserve/COVID-19 list.

[lawrence-related id=56050,55908,56038,56012]

[vertical-gallery id=55998]

Watch: Jaylinn Hawkins makes crazy one-handed INT

The Falcons made just six picks during the 2020 NFL Draft, but general manager Thomas Dimitroff made those picks count by finding players that can contribute right away.

The Falcons made just six picks during the 2020 NFL Draft, but general manager Thomas Dimitroff made those picks count by finding players that can contribute right away.

Late in the fourth round, the team took California safety Jaylinn Hawkins with the pick Atlanta received from the Baltimore Ravens in the Hayden Hurst trade.

Hawkins is a guy that should help right away on special teams as a gunner, while providing depth and emergency-starter insurance. His athleticism is matched only by his confidence, which you can see in this spectacular one-handed interception against Stanford below:

Hawkins is an exciting guy to listen to, and he clearly isn’t shy about the variety of things he can do. Watch below as he talks about his versatility to play as both a deep safety and an in-the-box defender:

[lawrence-related id=50628]

[vertical-gallery id=50594]

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.

[lawrence-related id=50453]

[vertical-gallery id=50384]

Instant Analysis: Falcons get depth from Jaylinn Hawkins

The Falcons got Keanu Neal insurance with their selection of safety Jaylinn Hawkins.

With Falcons safety Keanu Neal coming off of injury, the team had a need for an aggressive safety who loves to destroy offensive players. The team selected safety Jaylinn Hawkins in the fourth round, which feels like a bit of a reach. However, his fit in Atlanta’s defense is becoming more apparent the more we learn about him. Hawkins is a 6-foot-1, 208-pound defender who has decent speed.

Overall, this looks more and more like a special teams and long-term depth pick. Hawkins doesn’t have the kind of instincts that will get him a ton of playing time right away, but as the team’s fourth or fifth safety, he’ll be more likely to play on special teams than start in 2020.

Coverage is an issue early for Hawkins, but he wasn’t selected to have an impact as a rookie. We have to wonder if Hawkins long-term potential isn’t more at linebacker than safety. He doesn’t seem to have the athletic profile the Falcons would really look for at safety.

Why Jaylinn Hawkins instead of TE Hunter Bryant or CB Bryce Hall?

The Falcons felt they needed more safety depth behind Keanu Neal with how often he’s been injured. A second tight end wasn’t too much of a need since the Atlanta likes Hayden Hurst, and the team must feel that Bryce Hall isn’t worth the trouble at this point. The Falcons needed to get that depth that Jamal Carter wasn’t providing behind Neal.

[lawrence-related id=50416]

[vertical-gallery id=50384]