"The New England Patriots' safety room looked pretty cut and dried during the preseason. While the team didn't have a true deep man, veterans Jabrill Peppers and Kyle Dugger seemed sure to man the two spots as they did with some success in 2024. Instead, Mike Vrabel and Terrell Williams' new defensive scheme required a different style of player. Peppers was the surprise release before the season, while Kyle Dugger fell down the depth chart."
"Hawkins has not only been starting caliber, he's been fantastic. He ranks second among all qualifying safeties. He's had a PFF grade of 85+ in two of his seven games this year, and even scored a 92.1 overall grade in their matchup against the Browns. On the year, he grades out to an 83.1 in pass rush (6/90), a 76.8 in run defense (20/90), and a 76.7 in coverage (4/80)."
The Patriots shifted to a defensive scheme under Mike Vrabel and Terrell Williams that prioritized a different safety prototype. Jabrill Peppers was released before the season and Kyle Dugger slid down the depth chart and was later traded. Dugger played only 75 snaps in the first six weeks and allowed a deep ball to Chris Olave, earning a 63.5 PFF grade against the Titans. Jaylinn Hawkins emerged as a reliable starter and has been a standout, ranking second among qualifying safeties with multiple high PFF game grades. Hawkins grades strongly in pass rush, run defense, coverage, and tackling.
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