The Baltimore Ravens knew they had work to do at safety this offseason. Alohi Gilman departed in free agencyless than five months after he was acquired via trade. Ar'Darius Washington eventually followed John Harbaugh to the New York Giants. That left two holes at safety and an organization in need searching for another experienced presence in the secondary.
Their answer came relatively quickly, at the start of the new league year to be exact. They announced they'd sign veteran safety Jaylinn Hawkins to a two-year contract worth $10 million, adding a player whose recent production quietly compares favorably with many of the league's starting safeties.
Jaylinn Hawkins numbers deserve attention
Hawkins has taken an unconventional path to Baltimore. A fourth-round selection by the Atlanta
Falcons in the 2020 NFL Draft, he later spent time with the Los Angeles Chargers before finding stability during a two-year stint with the New England Patriots. That stretch helped reestablish his value and ultimately earned him another opportunity on the free-agent market.
The numbers explain why.
When targeted in coverage last season, opposing quarterbacks managed just a 55.1 passer rating against Hawkins. He also intercepted four passes, broke up six more, forced a fumble, recorded 1.5 sacks and finished with 71 tackles. As if that weren't enough, Hawkins also registered five quarterback hits, illustrating the versatility to impact games both in coverage and near the line of scrimmage.
Jaylinn Hawkins is more than just a backup
Statistics don't always tell the entire story. In Hawkins' case, however, they paint the picture of a defender capable of affecting games in a variety of ways. The Ravens appear set to open the season with Kyle Hamilton and now-second-year star Malaki Starks as their starting safety tandem.
That shouldn't diminish Hawkins' importance. Baltimore has long valued defensive backs capable of wearing multiple hats, and Hawkins' production suggests he'll be much more than an insurance policy. His ability to contribute on defense, create turnovers and pressure quarterbacks gives head coach Jesse Minter and defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver another versatile piece to deploy throughout the season.
There's another quality the Ravens believe they're adding. The phrase 'emotional leader' gets tossed around so often that it sometimes loses its meaning. Those who have been around Hawkins, however, describe him as exactly that—a player whose energy, communication and enthusiasm are contagious.
Baltimore has built its reputation on uncovering defensive talent. If Jaylinn Hawkins' production in New England carries over to Baltimore, the Ravens won't simply have added depth. They'll have quietly landed one of free agency's biggest bargains.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Jaylinn Hawkins could play a major role in Baltimore’s secondary
