Jaylinn Hawkins making his case for a roster spot after impressive performance Friday

Training camp is one of the most exciting times of the football calendar. We get to see players back in action on the field, and we get to learn a ton about the players who will make up the roster for the upcoming season. Additionally, you get to hear about the underdogs who nobody had on their radar showing out and potentially earning roster spots.

On Friday, the Patriots didn’t have a traditional training camp practice. Instead, the team held its annual scrimmage for season ticket holders, and it was an exciting change of pace for players and fans alike. The blue team was led by Drake Maye at quarterback, while the white team was led by Joshua Dobbs and several defensive starters.

On the blue team, one of the standouts was safety Jaylinn Hawkins. Hawkins is one of several players competing for a safety spot on the Patriots, and before Friday, he wasn’t getting that much recognition. It only takes one big day, though, and Hawkins had one of those under the lights on Friday.

Regarding Hawkins’ Friday performance, Jordy McElroy of Patriots Wire offered the following:

Speaking of having a good nose for the football, veteran safety Jaylinn Hawkins snagged two interceptions on Friday. He often gets forgotten at a position spearheaded by Kyle Dugger and Jabrill Peppers, but he’s a savvy veteran who provides valuable depth for the Patriots. One of the interceptions came on a trick play pass attempt from wideout Demario “Pop” Douglas.

As McElroy mentioned, Hawkins came up with two interceptions on the night. One came on a trick play where DeMario Douglas attempted a pass, and the other came off a throw from third-string quarterback Ben Wooldridge that hit running back Lan Larison in the hands.

Hawkins undoubtedly caught the eye of the coaching staff with this performance, and it could impact the final roster. Kyle Dugger, Jabrill Peppers, and Craig Woodson are locks to make the team at the safety spot, so Hawkins is competing against Marcus Epps, Dell Pettus, Josh Minkins, and Brenden Schooler for one or two spots.