2025 NFL Draft Prospect Profile – Jackson Hawes

Jackson Hawes, a tight end out of Georgia Tech, has emerged as a gritty, old-school prospect ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft. After transferring from Yale—where he earned back-to-back, Hawes reinvented himself as a bruising ACC blocker, sacrificing receiving stats to dominate in the trenches. His Senior Bowl invitation validated his transition, showcasing his ability to stonewall Power 5 edge rushers and execute key blocks in high-pressure situations. A defining moment came against Louisville, where Hawes battled through an ankle injury to haul in a critical 41-yard catch in crunch time, epitomizing his toughness and situational awareness. While his 4.82s 40-yard dash and 17th percentile bench press raise athleticism concerns, his explosive lower-body power (84th percentile broad jump) fuels his ability to uproot defenders in gap schemes. At 24, Hawes offers NFL-ready physicality and a proven capacity to thrive in multiple roles, making him a compelling Day 3 target for teams craving a tone-setting blocker with untapped red-zone potential.

Physical Profile:

• Height: 6 ft 4 in
• Weight: 253 lb.
• Age: 24 
• Position: Tight End
• College: Georgia Tech 

College Career Summary:

Jackson Hawes played a total of 40 college games across his time at Yale and Georgia Tech, accumulating 1,955 snaps and showcasing his versatility as a tight end.

At Yale (2019–2023), Hawes appeared in 29 games, recording 35 receptions for 371 yards and 6 touchdowns. He earned Second-Team All-Ivy League honors twice (2022, 2023), establishing himself as a reliable target and a key contributor in the Bulldogs’ offense. His standout moments included clutch red-zone touchdowns and consistent blocking in Yale’s run-heavy schemes.

After transferring to Georgia Tech (2024), Hawes transitioned into a more prominent blocking role, appearing in 11 games and tallying 16 receptions for 195 yards. His impact was most evident in the trenches, where he became a devastating run blocker in the ACC, earning praise for his ability to seal edges and create lanes for ball carriers. A highlight of his senior season came against Louisville, where he fought through an ankle injury to make a crucial 41-yard reception in a two-minute drill, showcasing his toughness and situational awareness.

Hawes’ college career culminated in an invitation to the 2025 Senior Bowl, where he further solidified his reputation as a physical, NFL-ready tight end. His combination of blocking prowess, positional versatility, and leadership made him a respected figure in both the Ivy League and the ACC.

Key Stats:

2024 Season (Georgia Tech):

• Games Played: 11
• Receptions: 16
• Yards: 195
• Touchdowns: 1

Career Stats (Yale & Georgia Tech):

• Total Games Played: 40
• Receptions: 51
• Yards: 566
• Touchdowns: 7

Blocking Metrics (2024 Season):

• Run Blocking Grade (PFF): 77% (ranked 2nd among ACC tight ends)
• Pass Blocking Efficiency: 98.5% (allowed 1 pressure in 45 pass-blocking snaps)

Notable Achievements:

• 2x Second-Team All-Ivy League (2022, 2023)
• Senior Bowl Invite (2025)
• Key Performance: 41-yard reception vs. Louisville (2024

Strengths & Weaknesses:

Strengths:

• Devastating Blocker: Consistently creates movement at the point of attack, routinely pancaking defensive ends and linebackers in ACC play.
• Versatility: Lines up in-line, at H-back, in the slot, and even as a traditional fullback, offering formation flexibility for offensive coordinators.
• Reliable Hands: Secures catches away from his body and maintains possession through contact, particularly effective in short and intermediate routes (72-76th percentile).
• Football IQ: Displays a strong understanding of blocking angles, timing, and defensive schemes, consistently sealing edges and picking up blitzes.
• Nasty Finisher: Plays through the whistle with a physical, aggressive demeanor, seeking to bury defenders in both run blocking and pass protection.
• Pass Protection: Anchors well against edge rushers, using proper technique and core strength to stall bull-rushers in max-protection schemes.

Weaknesses:

• Limited Separation: Struggles to create space against man coverage due to average athleticism (4.82s 40-yard dash, 39th percentile).
• Route Tree: Primarily runs simple flat and curl routes, lacking sophistication in route breaks and stems.
• Overaggressive Tendencies: Occasionally lunges or loses balance when overly eager to finish blocks against quicker defenders.
• Play Speed: Takes time to build momentum after the catch, rarely threatening vertically or stretching the field.
• Age and Ceiling: Will be a 24-year-old rookie with modest receiving production, raising questions about untapped potential.

Bowl Game/Key Moments:

Jackson Hawes’ performance in high-pressure situations showcased his grit, leadership, and ability to deliver when it mattered most. His standout moment came during the 2024 season against Louisville, where he played through an ankle injury to make a crucial 41-yard reception in the two-minute drill, setting up a game-winning score. This play highlighted his toughness, situational awareness, and willingness to sacrifice for the team.

Hawes’ invitation to the 2025 Senior Bowl further solidified his reputation as a reliable performer under pressure. During practices, he impressed scouts with his dominant blocking against top-tier defensive talent, consistently creating movement in the run game and holding his own in pass protection. His ability to adapt to multiple roles (in-line, H-back, and slot) during the Senior Bowl demonstrated his versatility and football IQ.

Throughout his college career, Hawes developed a reputation as a leader both on and off the field. At Yale, he was a two-time Second-Team All-Ivy League selection, earning respect for his work ethic and consistency. His decision to transfer to Georgia Tech for his final season and excel in the ACC further underscored his determination to prove himself against higher competition.

Hawes’ leadership qualities were evident in his ability to mentor younger players and his relentless effort in practice, setting the tone for his teammates. His clutch plays and unwavering intensity in critical moments make him a player who thrives when the stakes are highest.

NFL Projection & Fantasy Relevance:

Projected Draft Round:

Jackson Hawes is projected as a late-round pick (Round 6-7) or priority undrafted free agent (UDFA). His value lies in his ability to contribute immediately as a blocking specialist and versatile role player, rather than as a high-upside receiving threat.

Potential NFL Fit:

Hawes is an ideal fit for run-heavy offenses that utilize multiple tight end sets and prioritize physicality in the trenches. Teams like the Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, or Baltimore Ravens—known for their gap/power schemes—could maximize his strengths as a blocker and occasional red-zone target. His ability to line up in-line, at H-back, or even as a fullback adds valuable formation flexibility for creative offensive coordinators.

Fantasy Implications:

Hawes is unlikely to make an immediate fantasy impact, as his primary role will be as a blocking tight end with limited receiving opportunities. However, in deep dynasty leagues, he could hold value as a stash candidate for teams in rebuild mode, especially if he lands in a system that gradually expands his route tree and red-zone usage.

While he may never develop into a PPR monster, Hawes could become a streaming option in standard leagues during bye weeks or in matchups where his team heavily utilizes tight ends in the red zone. His fantasy relevance will largely depend on his ability to carve out a niche as a goal-line threat or in heavy personnel packages.

Jackson Hawes is a throwback to the blue-collar tight ends of previous eras, offering NFL teams a reliable, physical presence in the trenches. While his limited athleticism and modest receiving production may cap his ceiling, his elite blocking ability, positional versatility, and football IQ make him a valuable asset for run-heavy offenses. His toughness, leadership, and ability to perform in high-pressure situations further enhance his appeal as a late-round or UDFA target.

For fantasy managers, Hawes is unlikely to be a game-changer, but his potential as a goal-line threat or streaming option in standard leagues makes him a name to monitor, especially if he lands in a system that maximizes his red-zone opportunities. While he may never become a PPR monster, his ability to contribute in heavy personnel packages and on special teams ensures he has a path to carving out a niche role in the NFL.