The Los Angeles Chargers picked up Jaylinn Hawkins from the Waiver Wire during the 2023 season, and he was a very strong addition for the Bolts midseason. If he is brought back in 2024, what should his role be? What is his skill set? Is Jaylinn Hawkins a potential answer long-term?
Jaylinn Hawkins – A Potential Starter?
Jaylinn Hawkins started his professional career as a fourth-round pick from the University of California in 2020. While his rookie year saw limited playing time, he eventually found his footing in the 2021 season. He became a pivotal asset for the Falcons’ defense. Anticipations were high for Hawkins in 2022, he did not disappoint.
In his career-best 2022 season, Hawkins showcased his versatility by logging an impressive 955 snaps. His contributions on the field included 56 tackles, 11 stops, a forced fumble, two interceptions, and four pass breakups. This gave him a commendable 59.8 defensive grade from PFF. As a free safety, he accumulated 587 snaps in that position, while also demonstrating his prowess as a box defender with 233 snaps. Hawkins not only met expectations but exceeded them, solidifying his status as a key player for the Falcons’ defense.
Unfortunately in 2023, The Atlanta Falcons did not give Hawkins much chance to repeat his season. They drafted DeMarco Hellams the Safety from Alabama in the seventh round. Hellams was younger and an “Arthur Smith guy” which eventually led to the release of Hawkins. In a piece written when he was first signed to the Bolts, I mentioned a quote from Arthur Smith that summarizes the end of his time with the dirty birds. “I have a lot of respect for Hawk. I wish him the best in the future.” … “Circumstances change.” Circumstances did change, and the Chargers were the beneficiary of that.
2023 With The Chargers
After spending the beginning of the season with Atlanta, he went back to the West Coast to be with the Chargers. Growing up in Buena Park, it was not hard to get reacclimated. The Bolts picked him up off waivers from Atlanta on October 18th. Four days later he is playing special teams for Ryan Ficken. A month later he was on the field for the defense, showing what he’s got.
Hawkins did more than do his job, he impressed and should be awarded for that. He earned a spotlight for me, and hopefully earned a contract with the Powder Blues next season.
Defensive Ability
Hawkins was given a role in week 12 after a devastating defensive performance against the Green Bay Packers in week 11. Brandon Staley stated that he will be making personnel changes and that included Hawkins playing more free safety. For a waiver wire pickup, the former California Golden Bear impressed. He played a total of 107 snaps from weeks 12 to 18. He notably suffered a major snap count drop after week 16.
This snap count was initially earned due to his ability to play multiple spots at defensive back and was plugged in where he was needed. For the Chargers he was needed at free safety. He filled in just fine and recorded a 54.0 defensive grade, highlighted by his 71.1 tackling grade. The Chargers desperately needed a back-end defender who could tackle at the second and third levels, it was quite obvious the Chargers struggled from poor tackling and pursuit angles. Hawkins was perfect in doing his part to help remedy that issue.
Special Teams Ability
Pro Football Focus graded Hawkins’s play in that phase at 80.5 on 126 total snaps. This would rank him 35th out of every special teamer who played the number of snaps he played with the bolts. There were over 450 players who took that amount of snaps.
Special Teams Coordinator, Ryan Ficken is known to get the most out of everyone he coaches, and Hawkins seems to be another page in the book. At the bare minimum, Hawkins should be back for all the promising special teams ability he gave the Chargers in 2023.
2024 Outlook
One key piece of information that has yet to be highlighted is that Hawkins is still relatively young at 26 years old. There is still development that could be had, especially with a new coaching staff this coming season. The caveat to a new coaching staff and front office is that they may not give Hawkins another chance. He would not be “one of their guys” just like how Arthur Smith practically described earlier in his career. However, look for Ryan Ficken *who deserves and should stay no matter what* given his case for Hawkins returning.
If he is brought back to Los Angeles, where he practically grew up and played ball in high school. The former Falcon will easily be a strong special teamer for Ficken, and a rotational piece for whoever decides to call the defense this coming season. Hawkins needs to work on his coverage ability and feel for the deep ball. These could be remedied by a defensive coordinator playing to his strengths and keeping him closer to the line of scrimmage. Something Brandon Staley and Derrick Ansley did not do.
If the pieces fall in the right place, Hawkins has a solid chance to be a key role player for this team. He even can start if the Chargers do not bring back Alohi Gilman and decide not to add any other external options. The future may be bright for the Chargers and Hawkins this season.
Main Photo: Jonathan Hui-USA TODAY Sports
