Jerald Hawkins has a chance to be the latest LSU tackle taken high in the NFL draft. Does his scouting report reflect that possibility?
Position: OT
School: LSU
Year: Junior
Height: 6’6″
Weight: 305 lbs
History:
Talent was evident from the start as he made it into the starting lineup at LSU as a freshman. Played both right and left tackle for the Tigers each year and proven up for the physicality as he missed just one game in that span. Born and bred in Louisiana and just 22-years old.
STRENGTHS:
- Has good strength and size proportions. Can drive defenders off the ball when he gets the legs churning.
- Does not fear getting physical. Will throw his body around and get after it with defenders.
- Difficult to get past when he uses the full extension of his arms and upper body strength.
- Takes pass protection more seriously as he’s better with his technique and discipline.
- Knows how to gain instant position advantage, often shifting his feet and body to seal defenders away from where the football is going.
- Has the awareness to find the next block at the second level, opening up bigger lanes for the running backs.
See here Hawkins does his job by driving the defensive lineman off the ball and out of the way. Then, rather than patting himself on the back he takes his next responsibility which is to crush the outmatched defensive back. That is two players he’s taken out of the picture, giving his running more room to create.
WEAKNESSES:
- Anchor is weak. Bigger defensive line find it easier to knock him back on his heels.
- Makes poor use of his hands, preferring to throw his body around rather than keep rushers at bay.
Notice here is does a good job of getting out of his stance but rather than getting his arms fully extended into the defenders, he throws his body instead. The defender weather the initial blow and then easily slips around him to make the tackle in the backfield for a loss. If Hawkins had used his hands to get control, he could’ve driven that tackler outside, perhaps leaving a lane
- Feet aren’t very smooth. Can be choppy on the backpedal, leading to little fluid movement in his pass setup.
- Must get better about sensing when pressure is coming via the blitz. Has been caught off guard a few times, leading to free runners at the quarterback.
Pro Comparison: King Dunlap
Not quite as massive as the San Diego Chargers left tackle, but the two share much in common. Dunlap is by no means a tone-setter offensive lineman but when he technique is right he is a reliable pass protector who has enough size and power to lend a hand from time to time in the running game. He’s decent, but looks like he should be better. The same can be said about Hawkins.
Projection: 3rd to 4th rounds
Coming from a pro style offense at LSU, Hawkins should be ready to contribute right away. It’s whether or not teams trust he will make the commitment to get better or just settle on being good enough. As of now he strikes a tackle prospect who should be a starter within a year or two but won’t be considered the anchor of the line. A journeyman unless he proves he belongs.