Little-known player has teammates raving at Patriots training camp

Because of the unforgettable struggles the offense dealt with during the 2023 season, most of the focus at the start of Patriots training camp has inevitably been on their performances. From Jacoby Brissett and Drake Maye to the rookie receivers and the offensive line, there hasn't been much talk regarding how the defense has looked thus far.

While it has only been two days of practice, there are still many storylines revolving around defensive players that are noteworthy, especially the contract statuses of Davon Godchaux and Matthew Judon, which continue to be the hottest topics.

However, one relatively unknown player who was added late in free agency has been impressing enough on the field so far that his performance has shifted the conversation to what the defense is doing and created more excitement about what is to come.

Four-year veteran and former Falcons draft pick Jaylinn Hawkins has been making waves with the safety group to start summer practices. He has predominately flown under the radar to this point, but his production has caught the eye of his teammates, who can't stop raving about what he brings to the team.

Jabrill Peppers heaps praise on new teammate Jaylinn Hawkins

The Patriots safety group is one of the best units on the team, led by Kyle Dugger and Jabrill Peppers. But beyond that, the depth is questionable at best, especially with the departure of Jalen Mills in free agency.

The good thing is that Hawkins appears to fit the bill early at training camp, prompting Peppers to heap praise on his new teammate after practice on Wednesday afternoon.

"Oh, man, that guy, effort all day. He just doesn’t stop. I think he won the — got the most points for practice. Running to the ball, getting his hands on the ball, punching at the ball. Guy got a high motor, smart. Very versatile. He fit right in from the first day so we’re happy to have him."

What makes Hawkins rise even better for the Patriots is his skillset. Dugger and Peppers are star players at the position and thrive as legitimate strong safeties down by the line of scrimmage. Hawkins is the epitome of a free safety, which in turn allows more opportunities for his teammates to line up where they have historically been the most successful.

This should give the secondary more flexibility with who lines up where, making Hawkins the perfect complement to an already dominant and established safety room.

Jerod Mayo raved about the group earlier this spring, praising their versatility while also pointing out how great Hawkins has been early in his tenure.

“We have a good safety group. We have versatility back there. We have safeties that can play linebacker. We have safeties that can play in the deep parts. It’s going to be a very competitive group… [Hawkins has] done a good job for us.”

The ideal scenario would be for Hawkins to continue impressing throughout the rest of the summer and become the go-to guy after Dugger and Peppers. They will (of course) remain the starters, but Hawkins' addition would be solid and put the secondary over the top, which couldn't come at a better time as the new regime hopes to maintain a dominant defense.

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