Why Falcons DB Jaylinn Hawkins Plays with 'Fire!'
Atlanta Falcons fourth-year pro Jaylinn Hawkins may not be the biggest name in the new-look secondary, but he is still managing to make quite the impact.
While the attention may be focused more on A.J. Terrell or newly-signed Jessie Bates III or former top-three pick Jeff Okudah, Hawkins has been one of the standouts to kick off training camp.
In the first two days of camp, Hawkins recorded an interception, and while he didn't pick off a quarterback on Day 3, he recorded a nice pass breakup, according to ESPN's Michael Rothstein.
Despite working with the second unit, Hawkins remains motivated throughout training camp.
"I always have a fire. Circumstances don't determine the fire," Hawkins said via Rothstein. "I'm a self-motivator. I'm always doing what it takes to get better."
Even with Hawkins balling out in camp, it will be really difficult for him to crack the starting lineup with Bates III and Richie Grant ahead of him on the depth chart. However, he is still expected to play a large role in the Falcons secondary.
Hawkins has a lot to prove coming into this season. Expected to hit free agency this spring, Hawkins has the chance to make a ton of money this season with his performance.
And if he plays during the season like he has in this first part of camp, Hawkins should get ready for a massive payday.
You can follow Jeremy Brener on Twitter @JeremyBrener.
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