Jackson Hawes: Buffalo Bills Find a Blocking Gem in 2025 NFL Draft

The Buffalo Bills made waves in the 2025 NFL Draft by selecting tight end Jackson Hawes from Georgia Tech in the fifth round. Known for his physical blocking and steady presence, Hawes is poised to make an immediate impact in Buffalo’s evolving offense. Let’s dive into Hawes’ journey, his NFL projection, and what sets him apart as a rookie.

Jackson Hawes: Path to the Pros

Jackson Hawes began his collegiate football career at Yale, spending three productive years in the Ivy League before transferring to Georgia Tech for his final season. At 6-foot-6 and 250 pounds, Hawes is well-built for the modern NFL. Although he didn’t produce gaudy receiving stats, his blocking drew attention from scouts across the league.

In his four-year college career, Hawes registered 51 catches, 566 yards, and six touchdowns—a testament to his versatility and reliability. Most importantly, his reputation as a throwback, physical blocker stood out at both the Ivy League and ACC levels.

Why the Bills Drafted Jackson Hawes

With offensive depth always a priority, the Bills turned to Hawes in the fifth round, seeking a true in-line tight end. According to BuffaloBills.com’s 2025 Draft Tracker, Buffalo covets Hawes’ ability to "dig out defenders and stay between his target and the football." His addition fills a key role on the roster, particularly as the team looks to replace outgoing tight end depth.

Analysts like those at the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle highlight Hawes as one of the year’s best pure blocking tight ends. He excels as a lead blocker, keeps his pads low, and consistently moves his feet—essential traits for opening holes in the run game and providing pocket protection.

Hawes’ Fit in Buffalo’s Offense

Jackson Hawes is set to step into a tight end room featuring Dalton Kincaid and Dawson Knox, who often serve as the primary receiving threats. With Quintin Morris exploring free agency, Hawes could quickly earn the third spot on the depth chart as a specialist. As noted by experts, his best path to snaps will be through his blocking. However, Hawes showed flashes as a receiver, catching 16 passes for 195 yards in his lone season at Georgia Tech and previously nabbing six touchdowns at Yale.

ESPN’s Steve Muench notes that Hawes “catches passes in stride and can make the first defender miss.” While his offensive contributions may start in the trenches, he offers enough athleticism to provide value in the passing game when called upon.

Scouting Report and Outlook

Hawes has been described by The Athletic’s Dane Brugler as a versatile, throwback blocker with excellent awareness and technique. Whether he’s sealing the edge or pushing linebackers at the second level, Hawes plays with energy and intelligence. His physical style also gives Buffalo more flexibility to run creative sets and offer maximum protection when needed.

For a closer look at the local impact of Hawes’ draft selection and his journey from Georgia Tech, see the news coverage on JacketsOnline.

Conclusion: What to Expect from Jackson Hawes in 2025

Jackson Hawes may not be a household name yet, but his skillset is precisely what the Buffalo Bills sought in the later rounds of the draft. As a reliable, fundamentally sound tight end, he brings grit and toughness to Buffalo’s offense from day one. Look for Hawes to carve out a role as the top blocking tight end and keep an eye on his development as he adapts to the speed of the professional game. Bills fans and NFL observers alike will be watching to see how this fifth-round pick shapes a key part of Buffalo’s run game and offensive schemes.