The Buffalo Bills selected Georgia Tech tight end Jackson Hawes in the fifth round of the NFL Draft, bringing a tough, physical edge to the team. The Bills have long prided themselves on being a gritty, hard-nosed squad, and Hawes embodies that mentality perfectly.
Last season, Buffalo thrived under Joe Brady’s “everybody eats” approach, but also fostered a strong “team above everything” mindset, where every player on offense, defense, and special teams contributes in every aspect of the game. Hawes fits right in, with his relentless blocking style that sets him apart from others.
While Josh Allen gains a new weapon in Hawes, the tight end isn’t known for his receiving skills alone. Instead, he’s a powerful blocker who relishes dominating defenders. “You just have to be comfortable sticking your face in there,” Hawes explained about his blocking. “My mentality is like a laser—focused on my target, and I won’t stop until I move them.”
Hawes is widely regarded as the best blocking tight end in both college and this draft class, proudly taking on the role of an extra offensive lineman. His blocking ability allows him to push defenders off their spots and take them out of the play.
Although Hawes is also a receiver, his 16 catches for 195 yards in his lone season at Georgia Tech highlight his versatility. “I can do a lot in the quick game, a lot on the perimeter—whatever the coach needs me to do,” Hawes added.
The Bills are adding a true blue-collar player in Hawes—one who excels in both the run and pass game and is unmatched in his blocking. With Dalton Kincaid firmly entrenched as the top tight end and Dawson Knox’s contract expiring after 2025, Hawes’ “laser mentality” could see him move up the depth chart, bringing a new level of physicality to the AFC East.
