2020 NFL Draft: Jaylinn Hawkins offers versatility

California senior Jaylinn Hawkins is one of the top safeties in the 2020 NFL Draft, and he brings the versatility that’s perfect for today’s NFL.

The 6-foot-2, 210-pound redshirt senior displays a balanced skill set and played a key role in Cal’s defensive improvement this season.

Cal utilizes Hawkins in a variety of roles. He’ll line up in the box in sub package situations, cover the slot from the nickel, free roams in the underneath, and plays both the deep middle and deep half as a high safety.

Hawkins checks the physical boxes and possesses intriguing length and knows how to use it as a tackler. He does a nice job filling in run support, although he gets a little too far upfield coming downhill at times.

He possesses good range in pursuit and takes effective angles to the ball. Hawkins he flies downhill and squares and breaks down while striking through his target with surprising power. He wraps up effectively and displays ability as a striking tackler in space and had a touchdown-saving tackle doing so in the 4th quarter Saturday, although Oregon eventually found the end zone two plays later.

Hawkins tends to be a little handsy in man coverage but he’s a fluid athlete with quick feet and smooth hips. He’s flashed ability and has the athletic traits to further develop in this area.

Hawkins did a nice job keeping things in front of him while playing in single-high looks, although Oregon had a one successful deep shot with him downfield. Oregon tight end Jacob Breeland found a gap in the Cal zone and hauled in a deep catch, but Hawkins was able to quickly break and finish before he found the end zone.

He still ultimately gave up the catch, but Hawkins has the closing burst to clean things up quickly when the ball comes his way downfield.

Hawkins held up well in cover 2 with the exception of a single miscommunication with fellow safety Ashtyn Davis, but he was able to make his presence felt in coverage throughout the game.

He had a play that stood out in the second quarter in a double-high look. Hawkins effectively keyed the corner route to the end zone and attached to the hip of the intended target and was able to cause an incompletion.

Hawkins has played a key role in Cal’s physical defensive identity this season and I’d expect more of the same moving forward. However, he does need to improve on his ball production moving forward.

He’s hauled in seven career interceptions, including six last year, but he yet to produce an interception this season.

As you can see, the ball skills and ability to finish are there, it’s just a matter of him getting an opportunity. He’s already played the top two quarterbacks in the Pac 12, and the remainder of the schedule should present him an opportunity to improve his stat sheet.

Following a bye week this weekend, Hawkins and company have matchups against Utah, Washington State, and USC in consecutive weeks.

I personally have him graded out as a Day 2 prospect at the moment. With a strong finish to the season, he should garner that same talk throughout the NFL Draft community as we inch closer to draft day.