The Giants thought so highly of Tre Hawkins before this season that they changed the position of their highest-paid player to give the rookie room to start.
By Week 2, Hawkins came off the bench as Adoree' Jackson moved back to his natural position as outside cornerback.
Week 4 was the first of seven games in which Hawkins did not play on defense.
He finished the season with a total of two defensive snaps and just one pass defended between Thanksgiving and New Year's Eve.
So where will Hawkins focus to redeem himself during his first NFL offseason?
“I think it’s the mental part of the game, studying the game more and being a more IQ player,” Hawkins told the Post while cleaning out his locker this week. “There's a lot of athletic guys in this league, but what separates you is how you study and how you prepare.”
The Giants will likely part ways with Jackson, whose $11 million annual salary and $19 million salary cap hit were team-highs in 2023, in free agency.
In that scenario, Hawkins, a sixth-round pick, would have performed well enough to be selected as a replacement starter to pair with second-year duo Deonte Banks, a first-round pick who is already looking at his next pro career. It's difficult. Bowl voting.
“There's a reason Banks is a first-round prospect,” Hawkins said. “He was very calm. He prepared well. He stayed consistent and stuck to his routine. He played like a vet this year.”
The recent departure of defensive coordinator Wink Martindale will impact Hawkins, whose speed and length suited Martindale's coverage scheme.
Martindale's defense of Hawkins made him perhaps the most high-profile player in training camp, but head coach Brian Daboll praised the rookie's consistency and assistant general manager Brandon Brown said at the time: “Nothing was too big for Tre,” he said.
“Honestly, I don't know if it was good or bad. It's just something that came along with my journey,” he said when asked how the topic shaped the lens through which he viewed his season. Hawkins replied reflectively. “I understand that, but no one expects more from me than I do. I saw what everyone else saw at the time, much earlier than they did.”
Before his ugly divorce with the Giants, Martindale believed that Hawkins' role diminished as the season progressed because other cornerbacks, namely Cordale Flotte, performed better in the meritocracy. , was also focused on “big things” for Hawkins' future.
Daboll hasn't given up on the potential he sees either.
“He's a true professional and has done a good job with everything we asked him to do. I'm looking forward to working with him,” Daboll said. “I'm glad he's here.”
Hawkins was forced into extensive defense in the final game of the season for the first time since Nov. 19, but he allowed five catches on five targets for 62 yards and one touchdown against the Eagles.
He continued in a special teams role throughout the season.
“I feel like even if we lose, there’s always a lesson,” Hawkins said. “It was a roller coaster ride. There were a lot of ups and downs. There were a lot of little things. [rolled] In one. I was determined to overcome any adversity that came my way and finish strong.It's difficult to maintain concentration [when not playing], but it's my job and the mission I have to do. ”
Hawkins “absolutely” believes he can be a future starter in the NFL again.
After hearing that message repeatedly from his coach, he plans to spend the offseason studying to gain a better “understanding of the concepts.”
“My shoulder will always be bruised,” Hawkins said. “Even to prove others wrong, you always have to prove someone else right. Instead, you have to prove it yourself, more than anyone else.”
