Hawkins overtook Kyle Dugger early in Week 2 and produced 8 tackles in Week 1, offering a meaningful role and Week 3 streaming potential in New England’s defense.

Hawkins, a camp standout, is poised to start Week 1 opposite Woodson, offering coverage chops and a path to steady tackles if he handles the role early.

Jaylinn Hawkins appears to move into a lead safety role following Peppers' release, leveraging his experience as a backend starter. Hawkins will be tasked with anchoring coverage, communicating with the defense, and guiding the secondary in Week 1 against Carolina. His fantasy impact hinges on snap count and NE's use of hybrid personnel to adjust to Carolina's offense.

Hawkins, stepping into a bigger role, brings versatility as a safety in NE’s hybrid looks. While not a proven high-volume producer, his athleticism gives Vrabel multiple on-field options, and he could emerge as a sleeper in deeper fantasy formats if he secures extended snaps.

Hawkins rises to the top safety role as Peppers departs, bringing run-support reliability and box-friendly traits. His continued development in Vrabel's system will be pivotal for New England's back end, with Woodson poised to push for snaps and Dugger remaining a versatile contributor. Hawkins’ steadiness could stabilize the defense while Woodson's rookie ceiling adds exciting upside.