Depth to a degree

The Ravens added some depth to the secondary by signing cornerback Chris Hawkins this week.  The move may have been spurred by another set back of sorts as veteran CB Walt Harris was placed on injured reserve.  Hawkins, recorded 119 career tackles, 19 pass deflections and five interceptions for the LSU Tigers.

 For the Ravens this move might have some fans asking–what about adding another veteran cornerback? While the team should develop some young prospects in the secondary, there is an immediate need for a veteran cornerback who has real NFL game experience. Hopefully the team is not quite finished in their search for a veteran corner.

When Opportunity Knocks

This is a rare opportunity for Chris Hawkins; if the team wasn’t so thin on defensive backs he might not be in a position to be in training camp. Hawkins will have some catching up to do such as learning the playbook, as well as getting up to speed with the intensity of training camp.  Harris was originally signed by Jacksonville but released in July and had a tryout with the Detroit as reported by the www.nationalfootballpost.com/.

Here are some related articles and scouting reports for Chris Hawkins.

Pro-Days Results: – www.draftinsider.com

Cornerback Chris Hawkins also looked terrific in drills after running the fastest forty time of any defensive back in attendance.  Like Jones, his work in position drills was much improved over his combine outing.

Cornerback Chris Hawkins, posted 40 times in the very low 4.4-second area an improved his vertical jump to 36.5 inches.  Both marks much better than his combine numbers. http://www.draftinsider.net/blog

2010 NFL Draft Prospect Scouting Report- www.fftoolbox.com

Chris Hawkins, CB, LSU

One of the most experienced players in college football, Hawkins redshirted for LSU in 2005 before playing in 51 games over the next four years. He was a backup for a strong Tiger secondary as a freshman and sophomore, featured primarily on special teams.

 Hawkins then started 13 games as a junior in 2008 and started 11 of 13 games played last season. As a senior he tallied 43 tackles (25 solo) and finished tied for second on the team with two interceptions, second in pass breakups with seven, and tied for second in passes defensed with nine.

Hawkins has good size at 6′ and 186 pounds (he is sometimes listed at 6’1”) with adequate speed; he has been clocked as fast as 4.40 in the 40-yard dash (although he generally runs in the high 4.4s or 4.50).

He struggled with man-to-man coverage at times during his junior campaign, but he improved in that area as a senior.

Hawkins is not the best athlete around, but he is fundamentally sound and he has the experience to make a decent impact in the NFL right away, if only on special teams. Hawkins should get drafted at some point, but it won’t be before the second day of the proceedings. http://www.fftoolbox.com/nfl_draft/profile_ 

www.Cbssports.com

Chris Hawkins

Read & React: Relies more on reaction time than pure instincts on the field. Attacks routes, screens or running plays to his side once he recognizes the play. When playing off the line, he will bite on head fakes and stop-and-go routes. Recovers quickly enough to overcome false steps against college receivers, but might not at the next level.

Man Coverage: Good height and strength for the position — should be a good press corner at the next level. Gets his hands into the receiver on the line and maintains contact through the five-yard zone. A bit high and slow in his backpedal when playing off. Smooth to turn and run with receivers down the sideline. Doesn’t have elite straight-line speed, but maintains contact with receivers to prevent separation. Good hands for the interception and hand-eye coordination for pass breakups. Catches the ball away from his frame, can high-point the ball with a well-timed jump and nice vertical and make plays near the sideline.

Zone Coverage: Good awareness when in zone, and disciplined enough to come off initial receiver to prevent big plays behind him. Has the straight-line speed to catch up with receivers running free down the seam or due to a blown coverage. Keeps his eyes in the backfield and will track down overthrows.

Closing/Recovery: Fair recovery speed; will get back to receiver within a couple of steps if he bites on fakes. Good burst to the ball when it is in the air, and has the length and hands to knock out the ball as it reaches the receiver. Must improve his ability to plant and drive on the ball when playing off.

Run Support: Aggressively cuts down fullbacks or linemen coming around the corner. Goes toe-to-toe with receiver blocks on the edge, there’s no backing down in him. Strong enough to hold off receivers and disengage to make the tackle. Will shed receiver blocks to make a play on the ball. Could improve avoiding and getting off tight end blocks to contain on the edge.

Tackling: Secure wrap tackler. Will attempt to rip the ball out once the receiver is contained. Able to bring down running backs outside by wrapping up their legs. Breaks down in space, and recovers well enough to drag down against an elusive runner when tracking from behind.

Intangibles: Watches film of other college and pro corners to hone his craft. Tries to set an example on the field for his younger teammates. Good upside because of his toughness, height and work ethic. http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/