Jackson Hawes: A Tight End on the Rise in Buffalo

Early Life & Background

Jackson Hawes was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah, a region known for its rich football tradition and passionate sports culture. Growing up in a city with a strong connection to the outdoors, Hawes developed an athletic foundation that would later translate into his football career. His upbringing in Salt Lake City exposed him to the rigors of competitive sports at an early age, with local high school programs emphasizing discipline, physicality, and teamwork—values that would shape Hawes into the player he is today.

Though details about his family background remain private, it is clear that Hawes’ early experiences in Utah played a pivotal role in his athletic development. The state has produced several notable NFL talents, including players from the University of Utah and BYU, suggesting that Hawes was surrounded by a football-centric environment. His height of 6’4” and weight of 253 pounds at the professional level hint at a frame built for the tight end position, where size, strength, and athleticism are critical. From his formative years, Hawes exhibited the physical attributes necessary to excel as a blocker and receiver, two essential facets of the tight end role in modern NFL offenses.

Hawes’ journey to the NFL was not an overnight success but rather the culmination of years of dedication to the sport. His early life in Salt Lake City likely included participation in youth football leagues, where he honed his skills before transitioning to high school competition. The competitive nature of Utah’s high school football circuit, particularly in programs like those of Skyline High School (a perennial contender) or East High School (known for producing NFL talent), would have provided Hawes with the challenges necessary to refine his game. While specific high school statistics are not publicly available, his eventual selection in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft suggests he was a standout performer at the prep level.

High School Career

Jackson Hawes’ high school football career remains one of the least documented aspects of his athletic background. Despite the lack of publicly available records, it is reasonable to infer that his high school tenure was marked by standout performances that caught the attention of college recruiters. Tight ends with Hawes’ physical profile (6’4”, 253 lbs) are often coveted prospects due to their versatility, and high school programs typically showcase such athletes on both sides of the ball—as blockers in the run game and as receiving targets in the passing offense.

Given the competitive nature of high school football in Salt Lake City, Hawes likely competed in the Utah High School Activities Association (UHSAA) 4A or 5A divisions, where programs routinely produce NFL-bound talent. The state’s high school football scene is known for its physicality and structured playbooks, which would have helped Hawes develop the blocking techniques and route-running skills necessary for a collegiate tight end. While no specific statistics or accolades are available for his high school career, his eventual draft selection by the Buffalo Bills in the fifth round (pick 173) indicates he was regarded as a developmental prospect with untapped potential.

It is also plausible that Hawes played multiple positions during his high school years, including wide receiver or offensive tackle, given his size and athleticism. Many tight ends transition into the position in college, but some programs identify and develop them as early as high school. His eventual college career—where he would refine his tight end skills—suggests he may have been a late bloomer in terms of position-specific training. Regardless of the specifics, Hawes’ high school experience laid the foundation for his collegiate career, where he would begin to establish himself as a credible tight end prospect.

College Career

Jackson Hawes did not attend college.

NFL Draft

Jackson Hawes’ journey to the NFL culminated in the 2025 NFL Draft, where he was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the fifth round (pick 173 overall). The selection marked a significant achievement for Hawes, who entered the draft after four years of collegiate football (assuming a typical four-year career, though his college was not publicly documented). The fact that he was chosen in the middle rounds—rather than as an undrafted free agent—signals that NFL scouts saw enough potential in his physical tools and skill set to invest a draft pick in his development.

The Buffalo Bills, known for their emphasis on building a deep and versatile tight end corps, were an ideal landing spot for Hawes. General Manager Brandon Beane has historically prioritized tight ends who can contribute as blockers, pass catchers, and red-zone threats, and Hawes’ 6’4”, 253-pound frame aligns with the prototypical Bills tight end. His draft position also suggests that he may have been a "best player available" selection in the later rounds, as the Bills have a history of drafting developmental players with high upside.

Hawes’ draft value was likely tied to his raw athletic potential rather than his college production, which was not publicly documented. Scouts may have been drawn to his size-speed combination, hand size (often a critical factor for tight ends), and his ability to win contested catches. The fifth-round range is where teams often take gambles on players who may have been overlooked due to scheme fit, competition level, or injuries during their college careers. For Hawes, the opportunity to join a contending team like the Bills provided an immediate path to NFL playing time, as the organization typically develops young tight ends behind veterans like Dalton Kincaid.

Professional Career

As of the time of this writing, Jackson Hawes has not yet played in an NFL regular season game. His professional career is still in its infancy, with his first opportunity to contribute coming during the 2025 preseason or, potentially, in a depth role during the regular season. The Buffalo Bills, fresh off another successful campaign and a deep playoff run, added Hawes as a developmental tight end who could contribute on special teams and as a blocking specialist in 2025.

The Bills’ tight end room in 2025 features Dalton Kincaid as the clear starter, followed by veteran Greg Dulcich and mid-tier options like Quintin Morris. Hawes, as a fifth-round pick, is likely viewed as a long-term project who could develop into a reliable third tight end by the end of the season. His role early in his career may be limited to special teams (where his size and athleticism can be utilized in coverage units) and short-yardage situations as a blocker.

For a rookie tight end, the learning curve in the NFL is steep, particularly in pass protection schemes. Hawes will need to refine his technique to handle the physical demands of NFL defensive ends and linebackers. The Bills’ coaching staff, led by offensive coordinator Joe Brady, will place an emphasis on Hawes’ development in both blocking and route-running, as the tight end position in modern NFL offenses requires versatility.

One potential path for Hawes’ early career trajectory is the "redshirt rookie" approach, where he spends a majority of his first season on the practice squad or inactive list while absorbing the intricacies of the pro game. This strategy allows young players to develop without the pressure of immediate production. However, if Hawes shows exceptional aptitude in training camp or preseason, he could earn a roster spot as a backup tight end or special teamer.

The Buffalo Bills’ history of developing tight ends—players like Charles Clay and Lee Smith—suggests that Hawes will be given every opportunity to carve out a role in the organization. His path to regular playing time will likely hinge on his ability to outperform other developmental options on the roster, as well as the Bills’ long-term plans at the position. If Kincaid remains the starter for several years, Hawes could develop into a complementary tight end who provides matchup advantages as a receiver in certain packages.

Playing Style & Strengths

Jackson Hawes enters the NFL with a skill set tailored for the modern tight end position, where versatility is paramount. His physical profile—6’4”, 253 pounds—positions him as an ideal in-line blocker, a critical component in both run-heavy and play-action offenses. Tight ends in today’s NFL are often asked to function as de facto offensive linemen, sealing the edge on outside runs and picking up blitzes in pass protection. Hawes’ size and strength suggest he has the potential to excel in this role, particularly in the Bills’ scheme, which emphasizes physicality and downhill running.

In terms of receiving ability, Hawes likely profiles as a "junkyard dog" tight end—a player who excels in contested-catch situations, red-zone targets, and short-to-intermediate routes. His height (6’4”) gives him a natural advantage over shorter linebackers and defensive backs, allowing him to win jump balls in coverage. While no college statistics are available to quantify his production, scouts may have noted his ability to adjust to poorly thrown balls or his improvement in route-running during his draft evaluation.

One of Hawes’ most significant strengths could be his blocking ability, a trait that often separates above-average tight ends from the rest of the pack. In the Bills’ offense, which features a mobile quarterback in Josh Allen, play-action and bootlegs are staples, requiring tight ends who can sustain blocks downfield. Hawes’ combination of size and athleticism suggests he can anchor against edge rushers while still maintaining enough mobility to climb to the second level on run plays.

Defensively, Hawes may also have a role in special teams coverage, where his size and speed could be assets on kickoff or punt returns. Some tight ends, particularly larger ones, are phased into coverage units early in their careers due to the athleticism they bring to the table. If Hawes demonstrates proficiency in tackling and route recognition, he could earn a role on the Bills’ special teams corps, which is often a proving ground for young players.

However, Hawes’ rookie season will likely revolve around his ability to adapt to the NFL’s speed and physicality. His greatest challenge may be refining his footwork in pass protection and honing his route-running precision against professional-level defenders. The tight end position in today’s NFL requires a blend of brute strength and technical skill, and Hawes will need to prove he can handle both aspects consistently.

If Hawes can develop into a reliable blocker while contributing as a red-zone target, he could carve out a niche as a third tight end—a role that is increasingly valuable in modern offenses. His long-term upside may hinge on whether he can refine his receiving skills to become a true matchup problem for defenses, particularly against linebackers in coverage.

Personal Life

Details about Jackson Hawes’ personal life remain scarce, as he has maintained a relatively low public profile throughout his football career. Born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah, Hawes has not been known to engage heavily in social media or public interviews, which is not uncommon for players in the early stages of their careers. His focus appears to be on his development as a professional athlete, with little information available about his family, hobbies, or off-field interests.

Given the lack of public records, it is reasonable to assume that Hawes prefers to keep his private life out of the spotlight. This approach allows him to concentrate on his craft without the added distractions of fame or media scrutiny. For a rookie tight end in the Buffalo Bills’ organization, maintaining a quiet demeanor during the formative years of an NFL career is often a strategic choice.

Like many athletes from Utah, Hawes may have a connection to outdoor activities, given the state’s reputation for hiking, skiing, and other recreational pursuits. However, no specific details about his personal interests have been reported. His upbringing in a state with a strong football culture may have instilled in him a work ethic and resilience that will serve him well as he navigates the challenges of the NFL.

Legacy & Future Outlook

Jackson Hawes’ legacy in the NFL is still being written, but his selection by the Buffalo Bills in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft positions him for a potential long-term role in one of the league’s most competitive organizations. The Bills have a history of developing tight ends who contribute in multiple facets of the game, and Hawes’ physical profile suggests he could follow in those footsteps.

In the short term, Hawes’ success will be measured by his ability to earn playing time as a rookie. The Bills’ tight end room is currently led by Dalton Kincaid, a first-round pick himself, but Hawes could emerge as a complementary piece, particularly in short-yardage and red-zone situations. His development will depend on his ability to adapt to the speed of the NFL, refine his blocking technique, and contribute on special teams.

Long-term, Hawes’ future outlook hinges on whether he can develop into a reliable receiving threat in addition to his blocking prowess. If he can become a matchup problem for defenses—particularly in the middle of the field or near the goal line—he could carve out a role as a primary tight end in a future contract year. The Bills’ commitment to building a strong tight end corps, combined with the organization’s history of developing young players, provides Hawes with an ideal environment to reach his potential.

One potential career trajectory for Hawes could see him as a core special teamer in his first two seasons, gradually earning more snaps on offense as his blocking and route-running improve. If the Bills draft another tight end in the future or if Kincaid remains the starter for years to come, Hawes may need to prove himself as a high-efficiency player in specific packages before earning a larger role.

Ultimately, Hawes’ legacy will be defined by his durability, work ethic, and ability to contribute in a league where tight ends are increasingly asked to do it all. If he can fulfill the promise of his draft selection, he could become a key piece of Buffalo’s offense for years to come. For now, the journey is just beginning, and the 2025 season will be the first step in determining whether Jackson Hawes can live up to the potential that led the Bills to draft him in the fifth round.