OVERVIEW
Winning a job on LSU's offensive line is no easy task, as head coach Les Miles continually brings in large talents up front. But Hawkins managed to win the starting job at right tackle as a redshirt freshman, even playing on the blind side for an injured La'el Collins in one contest. The Louisiana native started every game at right tackle in 2014, as well, before moving to Collins' left tackle spot this fall. He missed the contest against Ole Miss with an ankle injury, but started the other 12 games in his final season in Death Valley. Despite his pleas to Collins to stay for his senior season last year, Hawkins decided to forego his fourth year on campus to head to the NFL; he's the only Tiger to do so this year.
PRO DAY RESULTS
3-cone drill: 8.04 seconds
ANALYSIS
STRENGTHS
Long*-limbed tackle with experience on both sides. Slides feet and hips into play-*side positioning after making squared contact on reach blocks and the backside. Flashes power in his paws snatching a portion of defender's frame and maintaining his grip. Plays with good weight distribution and balanced pass sets. Has foot quickness and change of direction for redirect move back inside without much hesitation and brace up his edge. Speedy snap off and search mechanism against twists. Generally well-timed climbs on combo blocks. Uses upward blow with decent hip snap into initial contact in run game. Held his own in snaps against A'Shawn Robinson from Alabama.
WEAKNESSES
Possesses unusually linear build with thin waist for an offensive lineman. Power in base blocks hindered by his narrow drive base. Doesnt always bring his feet through contact. Overall power and play strength need to improve. Wins early portion of the rep but often gives way to opponents' strength over second half of the snap. Not a natural knee*-bender and misses more than he hits on second level. Doesn't gain enough lateral ground to consistently get to cross*-face blocks and backside cut*off on linebackers. Hands too wide in pass pro set*up leading to slower, wider punch at times. Willing to waist-*bend when pass rusher gets to the edge.
DRAFT PROJECTION Round 4
SOURCES TELL US
"You have to watch him in a few games because he's not asked to do as much in some games as others. In one game you think he looks really strong and then in another game he's kind of all over the place. Some of that is his feet. If he improves his feet he should improve his play strength." -- NFL offensive line coach
NFL COMPARISON Bobby Massie
BOTTOM LINE
Hawkins is a tough evaluation because the length and footwork in pass protection are promising, but issues with bend and body control may be difficult to correct. Hawkins has talent, but his ceiling might be tied directly to whether a team allows him to sit while an offensive line coach works to correct the technical flaws that limit his effectiveness. Hawkins best spot may be right tackle.
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