Pats Pulpit
Previewing the Patriots safety heading into his second season with the team.
Even though their group of unrestricted free agents was quite big this offseason, the New England Patriots opted to re-sign just two of its members. Tight end Austin Hooper and safety Jaylinn Hawkins were the only UFAs retained by the team.
While the former projects to play a prominent role on offense in 2025, the latter might just do the same on the defensive side of the ball.
Name: Jaylinn Hawkins
Position: Safety/Special teamer
Jersey number: 21
Opening day age: 28 (8/25/1997)
Measurements: 6’0 1/2”, 208 lbs, 31 3/4” arm length, 9 1/2” hand size, 35 1/2” vertical jump, 9’9” broad jump, N/A Relative Athletic Score
NFL: Atlanta Falcons (2020-23), Los Angeles Chargers (2023), England Patriots (2024-) | College: California (2015-19)
A four-star wide receiver recruit out of Buena Park High School in Buena Park, CA, Hawkins decided to stay in his home state for his college career and committed to Cal. In Berkeley, he moved to the other side of the ball, becoming a safety who went on to spend five years with the Golden Bears.
In total, Hawkins appeared in 49 games with 39 starts during his college career, and registered 158 tackles, 10 interceptions, three forced fumbles, and a pair of sacks. A honorable All-Pac 12 mention his senior campaign, he entered the draft as a projected late-round pick or rookie free agent.
He didn’t remain on the board that long: the Falcons opted to invest the 134th overall selection in the fourth round to bring him in, quickly installing him as a core special teams presence and backup defender. His role evolved over the subsequent three years, to a point where he became a starting safety before being demoted to a rotational role again.
Following his in-season release from the Falcons in 2023, Hawkins joined the Chargers as a waiver claim. Five months later, he was on the move again: the Patriots signed him to a one-year free agency deal, which allowed him to bring his career totals to 75 games with 32 starts, 4 interceptions and a pair of fumble recoveries.
Strengths: Hawkins is a well-built defensive back who has shown that he can hold his own regardless of usage. He is a versatile player who can play deep in two-high shells or even as a solo centerfielder but also move down into the box to help out as a run defender. He combines the processor and necessary sideline-to-sideline range on one hand, with a physical mindset and willingness to throw his body on the line when coming downhill on the other.
He also offers some plus ball skills for a defensive back as well as a feel for route combinations and receiver movement stemming from his time as a wideout. In addition, Hawkins is an able and experienced special teamer.
Weaknesses: Hawkins is a solid-enough athlete but lacks any standout traits that would set...
