Javian Hawkins 2021 Fantasy Sleeper, Worthy Hail Mary Dart Throw in Dynasty

Tiny Javian Hawkins could be a cheap dart throw in both redraft and dynasty leagues.

The Falcons shocked the fantasy industry when they did not select a running back during the NFL Draft and decided to roll with Mike Davis and his monstrous quads as the team’s workhorse back. However, the Falcons quickly added Javian Hawkins and Caleb Huntley as rookie free agents to provide depth to its underwhelming running back room that consisted of Davis, Qadree Ollison, and gadget player Cordarrelle Patterson.

Hawkins, who many expected to go in the draft’s middle rounds, will provide a much-needed electric spark to the backfield and could be a top 2021 fantasy sleeper in redraft and dynasty leagues.

Javian Hawkins 2021 Fantasy Outlook and Why He's Fantasy's Next Rookie Fantasy Sleeper

Standing at 5-foot-8 and 183 lbs, or one of Davis’ quads, Hawkins had his fair share of success at Louisville before opting out during the middle of his final season. Hawkins exploded onto the scene in 2019 when he totaled 1,525 rushing yards and nine touchdowns. He then added another 949 total yards and eight total touchdowns in only eight games last season.

“This is the perfect situation of opportunity meeting the best talent,” Thor Nystrom of NBC Sports Edge told the Fantasy Fullback Dive podcast. “Hands down, Hawkins is the best running back that didn’t get picked, and the Falcons have the worst running back depth chart in the NFL. So it’s a perfect marriage.”

Nystrom added that the distance between Hawkins and Davis is short, and the rookie is the most talented running back on the entire depth chart. Not only is he the most talented, but he’s also the most explosive. Hawkins posted touchdowns runs of 70, 75, and 90 yards during his final collegiate season.

But, if Hawkins is so good, why did he go undrafted?

Thor said he did not show much as a receiver at Louisville, and he was an overlooked recruit who redshirted as a freshman before he broke out in college. One and a half seasons on tape did not stack up well against the other running backs in his class, Nystrom explained.

Our friends at The Draft Network had this to say about Hawkins:

Javian Hawkins was a dynamic playmaker for Louisville over the last two seasons where he racked up 417 touches from scrimmage for 2,432 yards and 17 touchdowns. He is exceptionally quick, elusive, and has the speed to take the football the distance from anywhere on the field. What he lacks in size, he makes up in big-play potential. At the next level, Hawkins doesn’t profile as a feature back, but his skill set demands a few chances each week to get involved in the passing game, jet motion, and perimeter runs.

The challenge with Hawkins in the NFL is he lacks natural vision, is undersized, and has some ball security issues. Despite his skill set translating well to pass-catching duties out of the backfield, he only caught 21 passes in college, so he must prove his ability to be a reliable receiver. Hawkins is a niche player, but his ability to produce big plays and add a speed dynamic gives him a chance at the next level. Ideally, he could increase his value by contributing as a returner, but he didn’t receive many chances to do so in college and needs to prove himself in that aspect as well.

Albeit his tiny stature, Hawkins is one tough SOB with the ball in his hands and in pass protection, where he gained extra yards after contact and kept his quarterback upright.

In fact, according to PFF, Hawkins never allowed a single sack on a whopping 231 pass-block attempts — a staggering statistic that will surely grant him early playing time.

Then, there’s the scheme fit with new head coach, Arthur Smith. Hawkins’ NFL.com draft profile noted he’s “born to run an outside zone” scheme, a scheme that Smith orchestrated to perfection with the Titans.

Overall, the Falcons might have hit the undrafted lottery. Davis and his meaty quads will obviously be the early-down back, but if Hawkins makes noise during camp and proves to be a reliable pass-catcher, he could see the field right away.

From a dynasty perspective, Davis is only signed for two years, meaning Hawkins could slowly take over the majority of touches in year two at a meager 2021 dynasty price tag.

Even though Hawkins lacks the size to be an every-down back, he checks in at RB41 (+39 vs ECR) on The Wolf’s 2021 Fantasy Rankings & Big Board.

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