Andrew Hawkins

Before the 2014 season, the Cleveland Browns signed Andrew Hawkins away from division rival Cincinnati. It was largely panned as another poor personnel move by the Browns, as many felt the slot receiver was getting too much money for his services. In the end, the acquisition of Hawkins was a positive, as he led Cleveland in receptions and receiving yards. Can the Hawk continue to soar in his second season on the shores of Lake Erie?

2015 Upside
Fantasy owners value stability, and in many ways Hawkins is the safest receiver on the Browns roster. Dwayne Bowe and Brian Hartline were discarded by their previous teams after down seasons in 2014. Draftee Vince Mayle is considered a dicey prospect with drop issues. Taylor Gabriel has generated some positive publicity, but largely remains an unproven commodity. Tight end Rob Housler is essentially in the same boat and Travis Benjamin is a spare part. Hawkins lacks upside, but his role as Cleveland’s slot receiver looks secure. Fantasy owners do not have to question his competency. The Browns will probably be playing from behind quite a bit and their offensive line looks respectable, which is not always the case for bad teams. A good line will give new starting quarterback Josh McCown a fighting chance.

2015 Downside
Yes, Hawkins led Cleveland in receiving, but he averaged an unremarkable 4.2 receptions and 54.9 yards per game. Those are the numbers of a fantasy reserve, especially considering all he could muster was two touchdowns. And while you know what you are getting with Andrew, the Browns will be bound and determined to make sure their new acquisitions are highly involved in the offense, which means his reign atop the Cleveland receiving ranks may be over. McCown was a disaster with Tampa Bay last year and it remains to see if Hawkins will click with him in the same manner he clicked with Brian Hoyer. Even though we are in the year 2015 and the modern NFL is a passing league, the Browns have three talented running backs and will operate with an old school run, run, and then run some more philosophy.

Bottom Line
Hawkins might produce a few decent games on occasion, which puts him on the radar as a cheap option in daily leagues. Unfortunately, if you have to rely on the Hawk in yearly, head-to-head formats, you are going to be in trouble.

Week 16 – Andrew Hawkins at Carolina Panthers

The days of Andrew Hawkins being a decent WR3 are a distant memory even though they took place not that long ago. Terrible performances from Brian Hoyer and most recently, Johnny “Football” Manziel have shredded the limited credibility of Cleveland’s offense. Hawkins caught two passes for seven yards in Week 15. By default, he should put together a better showing in Charlotte, but Baby Hawk needs to remain a bench warmer this weekend.

Week 14 – Andrew Hawkins vs. Indianapolis Colts
Andrew Hawkins was very quiet in Week 13, catching two passes for 24 yards. Baby Hawk cannot be totally blamed for his silent afternoon, as Brian Hoyer is in a funk. With Miles Austin out for the season, Andrew’s value to the Browns is enhanced, as they will need him for the chain-moving receptions Austin was capable of. However, with Hoyer struggling and potential alternative Johnny Manziel likely to turn many passing plays into runs, Hawkins belongs on your bench.