JAVIAN HAWKINS | LOUISVILLE 5’8” 183 lbs. 11/3/1999 (Age 21)
Javian Hawkins signed with the Atlanta Falcons after going undrafted in the 2021 NFL Draft.
COLLEGE TAPE
Running: Javian Hawkins wins with speed. His 4.45 40-yard dash isn’t out of this world, but his tape shows an in-game speed that’s faster than that. He’s lightning in a bottle and was able to gash defenses in college. His acceleration is great. He’s a player that seems to be running at top speed all the time.
Receiving: Hawkins caught 16 balls for 127 yards last year, but in his 1,500 yard rushing season back in 2019, he only caught four passes for 58 yards. I’m surprised by the lack of usage in the passing game, because of how explosive he was as a runner, but they didn’t need to pass it to him for him to get space.
Pass Blocking: He was bullied in pass protection, but that was expected with his small frame.
Overall: Javian Hawkins is electric! That speed is so much fun to watch on tape. His frame impedes any projection of workhorse running back in the NFL, but he should find a fit as a change of pace back that can be utilized on outside runs and in the screen game to bring some speed to a team’s offense. He can easily fit into a Tarik Cohen role on a team.
DRAFT ANALYSIS
Rapid Reaction to Draft Capital: Poor
Rapid Reaction to Landing Spot: Excellent
FANTASY INSIGHTS
This is what undrafted free agent dreams are made of! Opportunity is the name of the game and after not drafting a single running back in the 2021 draft and cutting the top-three backs from their depth chart last year, the Falcons signed Javian Hawkins into the perfect situation. Now, Hawkins is no three-down workhorse and he never will be. There’s also no guarantee that the Falcons don’t bring in help over the course of the offseason. But for now, Hawkins only has to use his electric moves to beat out Qadree Ollison for the RB2 spot behind Mike Davis. I’ll be looking to stash Hawkins in as many leagues as I can, but I’m sure everyone will know the name of the newest member of the Falcons backfield, so in order to purchase this electric lottery ticket, you’ll need to grab him in the fourth round.
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