Hawes' 1.82 yards per route run hints at Year 2 receiving breakout potential.

Hawes, a devastating blocker, quietly averaged 1.82 yards per route run on 102 routes as a rookie—an elite-level figure despite the low sample size that hints at receiving promise. He has Dalton Kincaid and Dawson Knox ahead of him on the tight end depth chart but played on 43% of snaps in his rookie season. If the Bills limit Kincaid's workload, Hawes will take plenty of reps with the No. 1 offense. The source believes Hawes could eclipse 50% snap share in 2026 even if Kincaid stays reasonably healthy. Hawes should demonstrate enough athleticism and sure-handedness in camp to garner more looks in the pass game, mostly underneath. His presence won't telegraph Buffalo's play intentions as much as Kincaid's. While his true strength as a blocker won't be on full display in training camp due to league rules, the noise he makes will be as a receiver, where the most potential growth resides for the soon-to-be 26-year-old.