2016 Cleveland Browns roster analysis: The wide receivers

Andrew Hawkins

Age: 30 

Experience: 6 years 

Contract Status: Free Agent 2018 

The veteran “Hawk” was the oldest and most experienced of the young wide receivers group. In his third season with the Browns, Hawkins was the team’s slot receiver but played a larger role with the absence of Corey Coleman. He logged 62.82 percent of the snaps, second most behind Pryor. Hawkins served as a team captain and has been praised for his leadership on and off the field.

In October, Hawkins, Josh McCown, and three other NFL players met with lawmakers in Washington D.C about social justice reform and change. Hawkins has been active in promoting social justice by professional athletes. In December before the holidays, he surprised a school of 300 students and teachers with Christmas presents.  His care for the community surrounding Cleveland as well as for the country indicate what type of person and teammate he is. Hawkins’ leadership on and off the field resonates well with the younger players on the team.

In the middle stretch of the season, when the team was missing rookie Corey Coleman, Hawkins played his most productive football. He caught four balls for 56 yards and a score against New England as well as scoring two touchdowns a few weeks later against the New York Jets.

A few weeks ago Hawkins tweeted a hint at a possible retirement from football. Despite only being 30 years old, he has suffered a few concussions and nagging injuries throughout his career. Terrelle Pryor tweeted he needed fans support to help get Hawkins to play another year.

2016 Stats: 

Tgt  Rec  Yds  Td 

 53  33  324    3 

2017 Outlook: 

In this three years with the Browns, Hawkins has provided solid slot play with his shifty and quick route running. Now on the wrong side of 30, the Browns may look to get younger at the starting slot, via draft, free agency or with one of the younger receivers on the roster. If Hawkins does indeed play another year, he is a capable veteran backup, adding depth to a rather young receivers group.