Hawes' 1.82 yards per route run hints at Year 2 breakout; snap share could exceed 50% in 2026.

Hawes, a devastating blocker, quietly averaged 1.82 yards per route run on 102 routes as a rookie—an elite-level figure despite the small sample size that hints at receiving promise. He played 43% of snaps in Year 1 despite being behind Dalton Kincaid and Dawson Knox on the depth chart. The source believes Hawes could eclipse 50% snap share in 2026 even if Kincaid stays healthy, and expects him to 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.