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NFL Draft Profile: Michigan safety Brad Hawkins

Michigan safety Brad Hawkins isn’t the fastest prospect, he isn’t the strongest, but he has attributes that could land him on an NFL roster.

The 6-foot-1, 221 pound safety had his most productive season at Michigan in 2021, compiling 60 tackles (40 solo) and forcing two fumbles.

Strengths

  • Size and length
  • Good job setting the edge
  • Durability and experience: Appeared in a program-record 56 games, including 31 starts at free safety.
  • Special teams experience
  • Reliable tackler
  • Improved in man-coverage throughout career
  • Above-average against the run
  • Great attitude, leader, willing to listen and improve his craft

Weaknesses

  • Doesn’t have great speed
  • Never hauled in an interception in college
  • For his size he could be a harder hitter
  • Will have a harder time in run-support in the NFL, may get out-muscled regularly by NFL lineman and tight ends

Hawkins was a reliable contributor on Michigan’s defense, his veteran leadership was an asset in 2021.