Giants incorporating 6th round cornerback gem into first team

A key concern with Hawkins was his lack of experience, often manifested in his poor recognition and pre-snap instincts.

Rapid Learning Curve Boosts Hawkins’ Stock

Luckily for the Giants, they picked Hawkins for his athletic upside, and he’s been showing considerable progress in the first few weeks with his new team. In fact, Hawkins’ performance has been so noteworthy that he’s earned first-team reps alongside rookie corner Deonte Banks, a Maryland draftee (per Art Stapleton of NJ.com).

With Banks and Hawkins operating on the outside, veteran corner Adoree Jackson has found himself slotting into the interior. Given the growing number of elite slot receivers in the NFL, deploying Jackson in that role seems like a sound strategic move.

Hawkins’ Potential Impact on Team Composition

Nevertheless, it’s also crucial to remember that Jackson is in the final year of his contract. Ideally, Hawkins would step up as a primary starter, significantly reducing the cost and enabling the Giants to redistribute funds elsewhere.

Granted, Hawkins has a long journey ahead regarding his development and has yet to face real action against rival offenses. However, his series of impressive plays during camp has been turning heads, elevating his stock and suggesting he might make a greater impact in 2023 than initially expected.

With the pads coming on Tuesday, Hawkins will have a real opportunity to shine and show that his early success is no mirage.