Los Angeles Chargers Mark Jaylinn Hawkins – How does this affect the secondary?
Chargers sign Jaylinn Hawkins – how does that affect the secondary? Jaylinn Hawkins Career
Jaylinn Hawkins began his career as a fourth-round pick out of Cal in 2020. After playing sparingly his rookie year, he started getting snaps in 2021. During the season, Hawkins became a key player on defense. The Falcons and he had a big season ahead of them in 2022. That’s exactly what happened. In 2022, Hawkinns had 955 tackles, recording 56 tackles, 11 interceptions, a forced fumble, two interceptions and four pass breakups. He earned a solid 59.8 defensive rating while playing primarily as a free safety with 587 snaps and 233 sacks. of fighting as a box defender.
So why did the Falcons release a player who started 16 games last season and showed great promise? A partial truth is a fact; Head coach Arthur Smith said: “I have a lot of respect for Hawk. I wish him all the best for the future.” … “Circumstances change.”
The rest of the truth is that Hawkins has always been a below-average linebacker in coverage, with many breaks in coverage and a lack of speed to hang with deep receivers. SB Nation’s Falcon site explained why Hawkins was released: “Hawkins hasn’t had much of a role this year under new defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen, and DeMarcco Hellams has taken more snaps on defense the last two to three weeks…”
Player profile of Jaylinn Hawkins
Jaylinn Hawkins was recognized for her 6’1.208 frame, hitting ability and versatility in college. All three of those traits translated well to the NFL as he was a very good linebacker for the Falcons.
The newly signed Hawkins is coming off his most productive season as an NFL quarterback. SB Nation’s Falcoholic website quoted him as saying, “Hawkins has shown himself to be at his best as a physical, aggressive defender who makes big shots and can make timely moves in his rookie seasons.” Jaylinn Hawkins was T-7 in 2022. The QB rushes and was a very effective pass rusher, although he was not often assigned as a pass rusher.
The now 26-year-old defensive end has shown the potential to be a very good defender on the offensive end, playing a role similar to the one the Chargers have in Adrian Phillips. Hawkins brings physicality, experience and versatility to a depleted Chargers safety group.
Why did the Los Angeles Chargers sign Hawkins? With standout special teams player Raheem Layne injured, JT Woods on the reserve/non-football sick note and Alohi Gilman battling a heel injury, the Chargers needed safety depth and the former Golden Bear was the best available.
Hawkins’ skill set is very similar to the safety he replaces, Layne. Both are stronger, box defenders who struggle in coverage. Hawkins also played well on special teams and will likely replace Layne directly on special teams. The 2020 fourth-round pick has an average career special teams grade of 63.9.
Hawkins has shown the ability to be a solid shortstop starter or a very good rotation/third safety for the Falcons who can also play on special teams. That’s exactly what the Chargers need this season.
Dean Marlowe has performed above expectations in his two starts, but trusting the 31-year-old safety, who scored 209 last season, to start long-term is risky. Hawkins gives the Brandon Staley-led group another chance. Overall, strong depth and experienced special teams shouldn’t hurt for a team that desperately needs those qualities in its safe space. Welcome to Los Angeles, Jaylinn Hawkins.
Featured photo: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Leave a Reply