The New York Giants thought they could have a steal on their arms on the NFL draft final spring once they chosen Outdated Dominion defensive again Tre Hawkins III.
Throughout coaching camp, Hawkins performed his manner up the depth chart and was even operating with the ‘ones,’ or starters, however because the season unfolded, Hawkins was pushed again down the order, taking part in simply 31 p.c of the defensive snaps.
Hawkins performed much less and fewer because the season went on and regardless of the Giants noticed in him throughout coaching camp wasn’t sufficient to leapfrog over the beginning duo of Adoree’ Jackson and first-round choose Deonte Banks.
“It was a roller-coaster experience — a number of ups, a number of downs. It was lots of little issues [rolled] into one,” Hawkins informed the New York Publish as he cleaned out his locker this week.
“I used to be making an attempt to undergo any adversity that got here my manner and end sturdy. It’s laborious staying targeted [when not playing], however it’s my job and a job that I’ve to do.”
Jackson might be a free agent come March and defensive coordinator Wink Martindale is gone, giving Hawkins a recent begin as he embarks on his second season. He says he’s discovered lots by being on the bench down the stretch.
“I believe it’s extra the psychological a part of the sport — finding out the sport extra, changing into extra of an IQ participant,” Hawkins stated. “Lots of people are athletic on this league, however what separates you is the way you research and your preparation.”
Hawkins has the dimensions and bodily attributes at 6-foot-3 and 195 kilos to be a particular participant as an outdoor nook. The Giants will proceed to develop him and hope he can fulfill the promise they noticed final summer time.
“He’s been a real professional, completed a superb job by way of every thing we’ve requested him to do, and I look ahead to working with him,” head coach Brian Daboll stated. “I’m glad now we have him.”
