Jackson Hawes is great

[GunnerBill]

1 hour ago, Ethan in Cleveland said:

Its a great group of TEs. Best case scenario is Knox takes a pay cut for next season and we keep all three. 

 

There is no way Knox plays here on his 2026 number. 

 

He takes a pay cut, or is cut, or signs an extension for a lower AAV than his previous deal. Depends a bit I think on where Kincaid is after this year as to what the Bills preference is. If they pick up Kincaid's option I think less likely Knox stays long term. If they don't I can see them wanting Knox under contract at least through 2027.

 

Hawes is a good player and an excellent blocker in particular but it does make me laugh a bit that in the drought when we didn't have much at tight end most fans here HATED the very concept of a blocking tight end that was keeping whoever their favourite pet project was off the roster / field. Logan Thomas or Jason Croom or Chris Manhertz. Now when the top of that room is strong a blocking tight end is loved. Lee Smith was a really solid Bill in both spells who was undervalued by fans. 

[HurlyBurly51]

Mean, nasty SOB on the field who loves to take it to his opponent.  Yeah, he's a football player.  The more fans see of him, the more his "legend" will grow.

 

[johndhall1]

1 hour ago, WinterSoldier17 said:

Absolutely love this kid, especially the way he attacks defenders with his blocking. It’s violent, purposeful, and his mechanics/technique is spot on at the POA. I really enjoy watching him.

 

Can just tell that he loves the game of football, and that translates to his play on the field. Wish we had more of him.

I read somewhere that Kromer said he’s the best blocking tight end he’s ever worked with.

Edited September 15 by johndhall1

[3rdand12]

1 hour ago, Logic said:

Where Hawes transforms the Bills offense is this: They can use him as the "6th O-lineman" in jumbo sets, but he's an actual threat to catch the ball, unlike Alec Anderson.

I could be mistaken, but I don't believe I've seen the Bills roll out a 6OL package yet this season. I HAVE seen (especially against the Jets) a good amount of 12 and 13 personnel.

Hawes is Lee Smith Jr. 

For the Bills to say he was the best blocking tight end they've EVER evaluated, and for him to already be getting this much time on the field...you know he's special as a blocker at that position.

Dawson Knox is set to make $17million next year. Given the realistic constraints of the salary cap, people aren't wrong to say that long term, Hawes' presence could spell the end of Knox's Bills tenure. Going forward, a Hawes-Kincaid duo at TE could indeed be the thing.

And if Hawes is able to develop the receiving part of his game? Look out, man.

 

Ravens ran a 3 headed TE set a few years ago that was brutal to tackle and tough to defend with Lamar.

 We could have that too !
 side note .. Dawson will have to accept an adjustment in pay to make that happen. Hope he does , because this could be fun 

[eball]

1 hour ago, Ethan in Cleveland said:

Its a great group of TEs. Best case scenario is Knox takes a pay cut for next season and we keep all three. 

 

Agreed.  It’s ok to like Hawes (I certainly do) without dissing Knox.  Yes, he had a couple of drops, but he is important to this team and offense.

 

[3rdand12]

3 minutes ago, GunnerBill said:

 

There is no way Knox plays here on his 2026 number. 

 

He takes a pay cut, or is cut, or signs an extension for a lower AAV than his previous deal. Depends a bit I think on where Kincaid is after this year as to what the Bills preference is. If they pick up Kincaid's option I think less likely Knox stays long term. If they don't I can see them wanting Knox under contract at least through 2027.

 

Hawes is a good player and an excellent blocker in particular but it does make me laugh a bit that in the drought when we didn't have much at tight end most fans here HATED the very concept of a blocking tight end that was keeping whoever their favourite pet project was off the roster / field. Logan Thomas or Jason Croom or Chris Manhertz. Now when the top of that room is strong a blocking tight end is loved. Lee Smith was a really solid Bill in both spells who was undervalued by fans. 

Loved Lee Smith. Fond of Quinton

 But i love Gilliam too.

Hawes is more than either so far , and having fun already

[GunnerBill]

1 hour ago, Logic said:

Where Hawes transforms the Bills offense is this: They can use him as the "6th O-lineman" in jumbo sets, but he's an actual threat to catch the ball, unlike Alec Anderson.

I could be mistaken, but I don't believe I've seen the Bills roll out a 6OL package yet this season. I HAVE seen (especially against the Jets) a good amount of 12 and 13 personnel.
 

 

Anderson got a couple of jumbo snaps each week, mainly in goalline. He is less of a feature between the 20s. 

 

His snap count was higher this week but that includes snaps played in garbage time.

[JohnBonhamRocks]

Hawesome

[Rousseauisnoschmo]

10 minutes ago, eball said:

 

Agreed.  It’s ok to like Hawes (I certainly do) without dissing Knox.  Yes, he had a couple of drops, but he is important to this team and offense.

 

Can you please explain how he's important to this offense when he's constantly dropping passes? 

[Pecker]

Does anyone have film of him out there? Would love to see it 

[Augie]

12 minutes ago, JohnBonhamRocks said:

Hawesome

Gesundheit

[Matt_In_NH]

Straight up ass kicker!

[Richard Noggin]

2 hours ago, warrior9 said:

I think he makes Gilliam disposable. He has no need to be on this team with Hawes. Hawes can line up at TE and FB and get him more snaps on the field. Someone like him should be on the field a good amount of time in 22 or 12 personnel 

Hawes is 100x more athletic than Lee Smith could ever dream of. They aren't the same except for their desire to get their nose dirty. 

 

This is an interesting take, and one that crossed my mind as soon as I saw Hawes motion into the backfield and play more as an H-back a couple snaps (if memory serves). However, the argument against this is Gilliam's STs value and his relatively low cap number. Knox, on the other hand, doesn't really play STs (right or no?) and has an absurd/inflated cap number next season. So I tend to agree (or maybe just HOPE) that Knox is the player we want to replace (or somehow get down to a MUCH lower cap number without adding much term). 

[finn]

3 hours ago, Simon said:

 

Kincaid's not splatting people, but I do think he has gotten markedly better and looks like he may continue to do so as he matures.

He had a terrific block in the Jets game. Drove his defender away from Cook and kept driving him. I couldn't believe it was Kincaid. (And he does look bigger, especially his hips and butt.)

[EmotionallyUnstable]

The Bills sure love their TEs. Getting quite a bit of that 13 personnel in condensed formations. 

[WotAGuy]

5 hours ago, Ethan in Cleveland said:

Its a great group of TEs. Best case scenario is Knox takes a pay cut for next season and we keep all three. 

Josh will feed him targets to try and keep Knox well-paid. 

[Ya Digg?]

3 hours ago, Rousseauisnoschmo said:

Can you please explain how he's important to this offense when he's constantly dropping passes? 

Knox can do things athletically that Hawes can’t do. He’s faster, he is a better route runner, we have all seen Knox make some incredible plays. Even with the drops he has Josh’s trust which is huge 

[Solomon Grundy]

5 hours ago, Einstein said:

 

He may make Knox disposable. Especially with his constant propensity to drop balls

Knox not going anywhere as long as 17 is QB

[Royale with Cheese]

Extend him now.  Save on the cap.

 

[Richard Noggin]

18 minutes ago, Ya Digg? said:

Knox can do things athletically that Hawes can’t do. He’s faster, he is a better route runner, we have all seen Knox make some incredible plays. Even with the drops he has Josh’s trust which is huge 

 

Can he/is he still this superior athlete? I can still see some build-up speed at times, but he seems a little heavier-footed and less flexible than back in his Angry Runs early days.