While it may be early in the season, initial performances suggest the Buffalo Bills have uncovered a fifth-round draft steal in tight end Jackson Hawes.
Selected 173rd overall after the team made five consecutive offensive picks, Hawes entered the league touted as the draft’s premier blocking tight end. The Ivy League graduate has quickly lived up to that reputation, drawing exceptional praise from veteran teammates.
“I’ve seen the best blocker of a young guy that I’ve ever seen, and I don’t underestimate that,” said Pro Bowl left tackle Dion Dawkins. “I’m not sugarcoating that. He is one of the best blockers you will see in this game.”
Having already secured the third tight end spot, Hawes has made significant contributions in the season’s first two games. Offensive coordinator Joe Brady praised the rookie’s mental acuity. “I think he’s so intelligent that he can handle a lot on his plate,” Brady said. “His ability to just process it all and be able to play fast… We have all the confidence in Hawesy.”
Beyond his blocking clinic, the 6-foot-4 Hawes has also proven to be a reliable receiver, recording one catch in each of the Bills’ first two victories. His first career reception was a critical 29-yard catch over the middle that set Buffalo up at the Baltimore Ravens’ 1-yard line.
“Now we know he can catch. So it’s a beautiful thing that he can do both,” Dawkins added. “For him to be on the line next to me on plays… I’m confident. I’m so confident.”
Hawes, who played at Georgia Tech after starting his collegiate career at Yale, has taken 51 offensive snaps in his first two professional games. According to Pro Football Focus, his performance has earned him a 92.7 grade, making him the highest-rated tight end in the NFL so far this season.
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