Jerald Hawkins


Jerald Hawkins is an American football offensive tackle who is currently a free agent. He played college football at Louisiana State University. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL Draft.

Early years

Hawkins attended West St. Mary High School in Baldwin, Louisiana. He played both offensive and defensive tackle. He committed to Louisiana State University to play college football.

College career

Hawkins was a three-year starter at offensive tackle for LSU from 2013 to 2015. He started at right tackle his first two years before switching to left for his junior year. After his junior year he entered the 2016 NFL Draft.

Professional career

Entering the 2016 NFL Draft, Hawkins was projected by the majority of NFL analysts and scouts to be a second or third round pick. He received the invitation to the NFL Combine and completed all the required combine drills and positional drills. On March 14, 2016, he participated at LSU's pro day and chose to only perform the three-cone drill and positional drills for team representatives and scouts. He was ranked the ninth best offensive tackle prospect available in the draft by NFLDraftScout.com.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Hawkins was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL Draft. On June 2, 2016, Hawkins signed a four-year, $2.87 million contract with a signing bonus of $530,488. On August 28, 2016, he was placed on injured reserve by the Steelers after suffering a shoulder injury during a joint practice with the Detroit Lions.
He entered training camp in competing for a backup offensive tackle position with Matt Feiler, Chris Hubbard, and Keavon Milton. Hawkins was named the backup left tackle behind Alejandro Villanueva to begin the regular season.
On November 26, 2017, Hawkins made his professional debut against the Green Bay Packers.
On May 30, 2018, Hawkins suffered a torn quad during organized team activities. He was officially placed on injured reserve on June 5, 2018, ruling him out for the 2018 season.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

On August 31, 2019, Hawkins was traded to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers along with the Steelers' seventh round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft in exchange for the Buccaneers' sixth round pick in the 2021 draft.