Arthur Smith: Jaylinn Hawkins Having 'Terrific' Camp for Falcons

Atlanta Falcons safety Jaylinn Hawkins posted 84 tackles, two interceptions and six pass deflections in 2022.

A key piece of the Atlanta Falcons secondary in 2022, safety Jaylinn Hawkins will likely see his role change next season. However, the 25-year-old is still expected to be a key contributor defensively. 

Following a year where he started 16 games, recording 84 total tackles, two interceptions and six pass deflections, Hawkins proved he could be the long term safety in Atlanta. 

And despite the addition Jessie Bates III in free agency, head coach Arthur Smith has been vocal of Hawkins still playing a big role in the Falcons defensive future. 

“[Hawkins] could play in a lot (of) personnel groups," Smith said. "A lot of teams play in a lot of 11 personnel, so you are seeing a lot of five DB, six DB packages."

Considering the secondary depth of Bates, Hawkins, A.J Terrell, Richie Grant and Jeff Okudah, getting the most out of each player appears to be a focal point of OTA's. And in the early stages, Hawkins has made his presence felt among that unit. 

"That DB group, it's going to be a very competitive camp - they've done a very good job," Smith said. "I think Jaylinn Hawkins has had a terrific spring and what we've asked him to do. Micah Abernathy ... there's a lot of depth, a lot of great competition."

After finishing third defensively with over 85 percent of total snaps, it's unclear if the fourth-year safety will be on the field that much in 2023. But for a defense looking to turn things around, they certainly want his impact every week. 

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Follow Riley Sheppard on Twitter @RileyDSheppard.

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