2018 NFL Draft: Chris Hawkins signs as an UDFA with the Seattle Seahawks

Pete Carrroll and the Seattle Seahawks are getting a reliable defensive back in the four year USC starter Chris Hawkins.

After waiting to hear his name called for seven rounds in te 2018 NFL Draft, Hawkins struck a deal with the Seahawks and signed as an UDFA (Undrafted Free Agent).

Hawkins’s USC career was an eventful one. He comitted to Lane Kiffin and the Trojans in 2012 and has since played for three different head coaches if you count interim Ed Orgeron in 2013.

Throughout the coaching changes and drama in the USC football world, Hawkins’ dedication never waivered. After struggling with penalties, Hawkins switched positions from corner back, to defensive back, to safety.

For his college career, Hawkins has recorded 234 total tackles, four sacks, and four intereceptions.

After an ankle injury hindered him in 2015, Hawkins came back healthy in 2016 and was an All-Pac 12 honorable mention.

In 2017 Pro Football Focus named him to their All-Pac 12 First Team after USC’s conference championship season.

Hawkins’ football IQ has never been questioned, and his biggest strenth is his knowledge of the strategy and detail of the game.

With the release of corner Richard Sherman and saftey Kam Challencelor’s future with Seatle unclear, the Seahawks are looking to rebuild their defense heralded as the Legion of Boom.

If the past shows anything, it’s that Carroll and GM John Schnieder have had multiple success in picking UDFAs and turning them into Super Bowl champions.

Former Seattle defensive lineman Michael Bennett went undrafted in 2009, as did reveivers Doug Baldwin in 2011, and Jermaine Kerse in 2012.

Hawkins will be competeing with fellow rookie cornerback Trey Flowers for playing time and an active spot on Seattle’s roster.