The Buffalo Bills didn’t draft Jackson Hawes with flashy receiving numbers in mind. They envisioned him as a throwback “Y” tight end -- a gritty extension of the offensive line, tasked with moving bodies and setting the tone in the trenches.
Three weeks into his rookie campaign, Hawes has already shown he’s much more than a blocking specialist. In the Bills’ Week 3 win over the Miami Dolphins, the versatile tight end not only paved the way in the run game, but also hauled in his first career touchdown, cementing his role as a youth-infused chess piece for Buffalo’s offense.
A Throwback Role With a Modern Impact
In today’s NFL, tight ends are often celebrated for their route-running and highlight-reel catches. But the Bills knew Hawes’ value would come primarily in the dirty work. Lined up in-line, attached to the tackle, Hawes has functioned as an extra lineman, sealing edges in zone runs and driving defenders backward in gap concepts. It's a passion he's had for a long time dating back to his collegiate days at both Yale and Georgia Tech.
I had the chance to speak with Hawes at the NFL combine last winter, where he said this about providing an impact in the ground game:
Hell of a quote from Georgia Tech TE Jackson Hawes towards his ability as a blocker:
— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) February 27, 2025
“I’m looking to punish people… I’m looking to put my facemask under someone’s chin.” pic.twitter.com/Ke4NEec7uS
That physical presence has already been felt. Buffalo’s running backs, led by James Cook, have enjoyed more consistent lanes off the right side when Hawes is on the field and his ability to win one-on-one matchups against defensive ends and outside linebackers gives the Bills flexibility in how they design their ground game.
Against the Dolphins, Hawes showcased that he’s not just a further extension of the offensive line. On a play where Hawes had to come across the formation and chip on Miami ED Matthew Judon, his ability to flip his head around on a broken play by Allen tosecure his first TD was simple poetry. The play won't make highlight reels, but it underscored how Hawes’ blocking reputation can be leveraged. Miami’s defense bit hard on the run action, leaving Hawes wide open as he slipped into the end zone.
That’s the beauty of a well-rounded tight end. Defenses know Hawes can flatten an edge rusher, but now they’ll also have to respect his ability to leak out and become a reliable safety valve in the passing game.
The Bills’ offense has long been centered around Allen’s arm and playmaking, but Buffalo has been searching for balance. A consistent run game is critical to keeping defenses honest, and Hawes is already proving to be a linchpin in that effort.
What makes him particularly valuable is his versatility. While his primary role is as an in-line “Y,” offensive coordinator Joe Brady has shown a willingness to flex him out in heavy packages. From H-back looks to short-yardage situations, Hawes is giving the Bills a player who can be both a bruiser and a matchup problem.
The Development Curve
Rookie tight ends often struggle to adapt to the pro level, especially when asked to shoulder significant blocking responsibilities. Yet Hawes has shown poise and discipline. His hand placement, pad level, and ability to reset when defenders counter have been ahead of schedule.
Hawes’ Week 3 trip to paydirt was just the beginning of what could be a larger role as the season progresses. While Dawson Knox and Dalton Kincaid remain Buffalo’s top receiving options at the position, Hawes is carving out a complementary niche.
His impact as a dominant blocker ensures he’ll stay on the field, and as defenses overcommit to the run, his opportunities as a pass-catcher should only grow.