The Washington Commanders re-signed tight end John Bates to a three-year deal this offseason. This was surprising to some who thought general manager Adam Peters might explore alternatives.
The former fourth-round pick out of Boise State is one of the few remaining players drafted by Ron Rivera. Due to his relative lack of production as a receiver — fewer than 600 receiving yards and just two touchdowns in four seasons — Bates did not seem like a vital piece of the offense moving forward.
However, his blocking made him a valuable performer in Kliff Kingsbury's offense. Adam Peters gave Bates a decent pay raise throughout his new deal. However, that contract is structured in such a way that his roster spot is much more secure in 2025 than it is in the final year of the deal (2027).
With that in mind, the general manager may be in search of a developmental in-line tight end in the later rounds of the draft, or perhaps among the ranks of undrafted free agents.
This brings us to Georgia Tech’s Jackson Hawes.
Jackson 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report
Notes
- Height: 6-foot-4
- Weight: 253 pounds
- Recruiting Status: Offers from Air Force and Utah State. Ultimately chose to attend Yale
- Transfer Status: Played five years at Yale before transferring for his final season with Georgia Tech
Positives
- Toughness
- Excellent in-line blocker
- Can line up in a variety of positions
- Mature, experienced locker room presence
Hawes may remind some long-time fans of Don Warren. The Washington legend entered the league as a decent receiving tight end but evolved into one of the best blockers in franchise history.
As you would expect, Hawes is significantly bigger than Warren, who played 40 years ago. But that same rugged blocking and overall toughness is evident.
That doesn’t mean Hawes cannot make big catches and even occasionally break a tackle or two. He ran over three Louisville defenders for an additional 12 yards late in Georgia Tech’s game against the Cardinals last season.
His greatest value will come as a versatile blocker. In college, though he mostly served as an in-line tight end, he could also line up in the backfield as an H-back or as a pure fullback. Hawes doesn’t show the route-running ability of Kyle Juszczyk, but he has good hands and delivers blocks from a variety of positions.
When Adam Peters drafted Ben Sinnott last year, he noted a similarity to his old San Francisco 49ers colleague. He has yet to show that. Down the road, should they develop, you could envision Sinnott stepping into a George Kittle-type role while a player like Hawes provides much of what Juszczyk has done in San Fran.
Also like Juszczyk, Hawes has an Ivy League degree on his résumé. He spent five years at Yale and earned his degree before transferring to Georgia Tech, another first-rate academic institution, to pursue graduate work.
Hawes will bring a no-nonsense work ethic and maturity to whatever teams he joins.
Negatives
- Not a dynamic athlete
- Has never played a major role in a sophisticated pro-style pass attack
- At 24 years old, will be old as a rookie, putting a ceiling on future physical growth
That last point is a double-edged sword. Hawes will enter the league as a grown man and should be able to stand up to NFL defenders. The downside is that he probably will not get bigger, faster, or stronger as he ages.
Hawes is a limited athlete. He will not run away from anyone, nor will he be able to use his strength, length or agility to out-fight professional safeties and linebackers. He has a reliable pair of hands, but as a receiver will primarily serve as a dump-off option when plays break down.
By the end of his career in Washington, fans would make (respectful) jokes about Warren’s penchant for making a catch and immediately going down, whether a defender was on him or not. Hawes has not reached that level and has indeed made some nice plays in college. But he is never going to be a yards after the catch threat.
Jackson Hawes NFL Player Comparison: Drew Ogletree
The Indianapolis Colts’ Drew Ogletree has more potential as a receiver, but the gap is not all that big. Hawes is not fast, but his testing results reveal a surprising burst (his 10-yard split was exceptional for such a big man, as was his broad jump).
Hawkes can be a sneaky receiving tight end who will always be a force as a blocker.
Jackson Hawes 2025 NFL Draft Grade: 7th round/priority UDFA
The Commanders have reportedly met with Hawes several times in the past six weeks. At this point, he would seem to be an ideal candidate for the practice squad in 2025.
Bates' proven value and contract details virtually ensure he will have a spot this year. But in 2026, all bets are off.
He will be a year older and his contract will be less cumbersome. If Hawes shows a lot on the practice squad, he would be perfectly situated to step in as the team’s primary blocking tight end as early as 2026.