If there’s one thing that offensive coaches in the NFL love, it’s a willing blocker. Georgia Tech tight end Jackson Hawes may not have put up gaudy numbers in his collegiate career, but his blocking ability makes him an intriguing prospect in the NFL Draft. Don’t be surprised if Hawes plays an important role in an NFL offense next season.
More 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Profiles
Overview, Film Analysis, and 2025 Scouting Report of Georgia Tech Tight End Jackson Hawes
Measurables
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 253
Player Background
Jackson Hawes grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah. He played both football and basketball for Highland High School and lettered in both sports in all four years. He earned second-team All-State honors as a senior. Hawes was rated as a three-star prospect by 247Sports in the 2019 class and was primarily recruited as an outside linebacker. He committed to Yale over offers from Utah State and Air Force.
Hawes didn’t see significant playing time until the 2021 season when he logged 13 receptions for 135 yards and one touchdown. His production was nearly identical in the following season, as he again caught 13 passes for 141 yards. In 2023, his final season at Yale, Hawes hauled in nine passes for 97 yards.
Prior to the 2024 season, Hawes hit the transfer portal and landed with the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. In his lone season with Georgia Tech, Hawes reached career highs in both receptions and receiving yards. He was a key piece in Georgia Tech’s offense, both as a receiver and as a blocker.
Strengths
Above all else, Jackson Hawes is an excellent run blocker. He locks onto defensive ends and stays engaged longer than average. Hawes meets linebackers with power and drives them back consistently. He rarely whiffs on run block attempts. He is a decent pass blocker, especially on double teams.
Hawes has sure hands and rarely drops passes. He uses his large frame to shield defenders from the ball. Hawes shows surprising ability after the catch. He is able to make defenders miss in the open field and uses his momentum to pick up extra yards. Georgia Tech utilized Hawes in multiple positions, including in-line and in the slot.
Weaknesses
At Georgia Tech, Jackson Hawes was not used heavily as a receiver. Many of his receptions came on quick flat routes. Therefore, he has not shown the ability to run a refined route tree. Hawes may not be able to threaten defenses vertically. He has had limited production in college, raising questions about his ceiling in the NFL. Hawes had decent testing numbers at the NFL Combine, but he does not show elite athleticism on the field.
Potential Team Fits
NFL Projection
Jackson Hawes will play a fairly limited role in the NFL, but he has shown the ability to excel in that role. Jackson Hawes may be the best blocking tight end in the 2025 NFL Draft class. He could provide immediate value as a second or third tight end on an NFL roster. He should primarily be used in two tight end sets. His blocking ability gives him a high floor at the next level. Jackson Hawes projects as a late-fourth-round talent.
Main Photo: Kirby Lee – Imagn Images
The post 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Jackson Hawes, Georgia Tech appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.