Seahawks Draft Prospect Profile, OT Jerald Hawkins
By Dan Viens
With the NFL Draft less than a month away, we take an up-close look at some prospects who might fit well with the Seattle Seahawks.
The NFL Draft is fast approaching and teams all around the NFL are working furiously to put together their draft boards. For the Seahawks, this is a crucial year for GM John Schneider and head coach Pete Carroll. The last couple of drafts have produced more depth than superstars, but with their high-priced young core now causing annual salary cap constraints, they find themselves needing to hit on a couple starter-quality players this time around.
So let’s take a look at some players who may appear to be a fit in Seattle, regardless of round.
JERALD HAWKINS, OT, LSU
SPECS:
- Height – 6’6″
- Weight – 305 lbs
- Arms – 34 1/4″
- 40 yard dash – 5.23
STRENGTHS:
Hawkins started at RT as a redshirt freshman at LSU, no easy task. As a three year starter he’s experienced playing at a major program in a bunch of big games. Started his first two years on the right side before manning left tackle last season. He has good feet and long arms and looks balanced in pass protection. Shows flashes of power in the running game.
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WEAKNESSES:
Has issues with pad level and hand placement. Gets to the second level but doesn’t always make defenders pay. Good initial strength but doesn’t always sustain his blocks. Lean midsection, suggesting he may have maxed out his frame.
HOW HE WOULD FIT WITH THE SEAHAWKS:
Hawkins name isn’t mentioned much when mock drafters and draft analysts survey the possibilities for Seattle in the first two rounds, but perhaps it should be. He’s played left tackle but looks more like a guy who would challenge for the RT spot. He looks like an intriguing, high-ceiling prospect who may not be ready to start early in his rookie year, but could be a long-term answer at right tackle with the proper coaching.
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If the Seahawks like Hawkins, he could come into play with their second round pick, particularly if they choose to select another position with pick #26. He’s raw, and probably would have been wise to return for his senior year, but his overall skill set and potential may make it worth the pick.