Javian Hawkins NFL Draft Scouting Report

Name: Javian Hawkins

Position: Running Back

College: Louisville

Height: 5’9”

Weight: 195 lbs

Overall Rank: No. 189 overall

Position Rank: RB14

Strengths: Hawkins is tailor-made for an outside zone scheme that allows him to use good speed and short-area burst to press the line of scrimmage horizontally before stabbing his foot and getting upfield. He’s a big play machine with multiple touchdown runs over 70 yards in 2020. Hawkins understands leverage in pass protection and, despite limited opportunities, flashes some potential as a backfield receiver. Pass protection is a challenge for most backs entering the NFL, so to see a smaller guy willing to mix it up is a major plus. He may never be the bellcow back, but he’s got a well-rounded skillset with some burst that is worth getting 5-10 touches every game immediately. 

Weaknesses: Contact balance and play strength are immediate areas for growth. Quite simply, he’s too easy to take down upon initial contact. If that’s happening at Louisville, it will only continue in the NFL where defenders are bigger, faster, and stronger. Hawkins’ touchdowns are “see a crease and run away from you” style, a hard form to maintain in the NFL. His start-and-stop power at the line of scrimmage is underwhelming and he’ll struggle to churn out tough yards in between the tackles. 

What I Love: Fantasy football and the redzone channel are designed for guys like Hawkins. He’s six seconds away from a touchdown every time he touches the ball and offers hold-your-breath excitement as a runner. 

NFL Comparison: Giovani Bernard

Grade: 60/100

Position Specific Traits:
(key: +, ++, +++ positive scale | -, - -, - - - negative scale)

Agility: ++
Ball Security: +
Blocking: - -
Contact Balance: -
Hands: +
Power: -
Speed: ++