Brad Hawkins, 24, was signed by the Atlanta Falcons as a rookie free agent out of Michigan on May 2, 2022, and released by Atlanta on July 11. The 6-foot-1, 221-pounder played in a program-record 56 career games during five seasons at Michigan and finished with 178 total tackles, eight passes defended, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery.
Hawkins has average instincts, which isn’t the greatest start. He’s quick to react once the play starts but is inconsistent when he wants to attack. Hawkins struggled to react quickly to routes down the sideline on Cover 2 schemes and needed more balance on RPO coverage.
The negatives are clearly there, but Hawkins has done a good job showing nice flashes. He’s succeeded against swing screens and stayed balanced on misdirections in 2021, something the Michigan defense as a whole has had troubles with in the past.
The range will be Hawkins’ biggest problem at the next level. Hawkins will not be able to play single-high safety just because he isn’t the most sufficient mover. Still, the range isn’t so bad to the point where he can’t have an NFL career, like Paris Ford last year.
On the other hand, Hawkins has shown good closing speed, downhill. This allows him to get involved in the running game, where he may excel most.
There are no specifics on whether or not he is a father. He might or might not be a father. There aren’t any rumors concerning his kids either.