Week 9 – Andrew Hawkins vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
After a debacle in Week 6 where he didn't catch a pass, Andrew Hawkins has proven to be a resilient fantasy player. Since then, he has 12 receptions for 200 yards and scored his first touchdown of the season. With momentum on his side and a tantalizing matchup with Tampa Bay's bottom five pass defense ahead, Hawkins is an intriguing player during a week where so many stars at the wide receiver position are on bye. He should provide solid WR3 value.
Week 8 – Andrew Hawkins vs. Oakland Raiders
Andrew Hawkins was one of the few Cleveland players who showed signs of life last Sunday in Jacksonville. After pitching a shutout in week six, Baby Hawk caught five passes for 112 yards. Nevertheless, since Cleveland’s bye in week four, Hawkins has lost the consistency that made him an early-season PPR revelation. Even against the winless Raiders, Hawkins is more of a WR4 than WR3.
Week 7 – Andrew Hawkins at Jacksonville Jaguars
Well, so much for Andrew Hawkins being a fairly safe PPR play. Cleveland scored 31 points on Sunday and Hawkins failed to catch a single pass. His regression was inevitable once Jordan Cameron reestablished himself as Cleveland’s top receiver. Obviously, things will be better for Andrew this week and the matchup is favorable. Regardless, his stature has fallen to the point where he would be nothing more than a last resort start for fantasy owners.
Week 6 – Andrew Hawkins vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
After a consistent run prior to Cleveland’s bye, Andrew Hawkins slumped last Sunday, catching three passes for 27 yards. We often hear about teams using “running back by committee” but the Browns are also utilizing a varied cast out wide and in the slot, meaning Baby Hawk’s upside is capped. Nevertheless, he had eight receptions for 87 yards in the previous meeting with Pittsburgh back in week one and remains the safest of Cleveland’s “committee.” He is good to go as a WR3 in PPR leagues. In standard leagues, he is more of a WR4.
Week 5 – Andrew Hawkins at Tennessee Titans
He hasn’t scored any touchdowns, but Andrew Hawkins has been an incredibly steady fantasy player so far in 2014. In week one, Hawkins snagged eight receptions for 87 yards. He followed that up with six catches and 70 yards in week two. Hawkins delivered seven receptions and 87 yards in week three prior to Cleveland’s bye. It is possible Andrew’s numbers could drop if Jordan Cameron can stay healthy and make a regular contribution, but until that happens, Hawkins is a viable WR3, especially in PPR formats.
Week 3 – Andrew Hawkins vs. Baltimore Ravens
It has been well documented that Cleveland’s receivers are not the best in the NFL. But someone has to catch passes for the Browns, and Andrew Hawkins has been doing just that over the first two games of the season. After catching eight passes for 87 yards in week one, Hawkins followed up with six receptions covering 70 yards last Sunday. Although Andrew lacks upside, his steady play is hard to ignore. If you have been hit by injuries and need a passable WR3, Baby Hawk could be helpful.
Week 2 – Andrew Hawkins vs. New Orleans Saints
Andrew Hawkins was flying high in week one. Baby Hawk led the Browns in receiving, with eight catches for 87 yards, establishing himself as Cleveland’s number one wide receiver. And if Jordan Cameron is unable to play this week, Hawkins will be Brian Hoyer’s top target. With the overall inadequacies of Cleveland’s passing game and their run-heavy approach, it would still be hard to count on Hawkins as a solid WR3 or flex, but he would not be a disaster if you are desperate. His value is a little higher in PPR leagues.
Week 1 – Andrew Hawkins at Pittsburgh Steelers
Questionable personnel moves by the Browns are as constant in Cleveland as the winds blowing off Lake Erie. One that generated some bewilderment was the relatively expensive deal given to slot receiver Andrew Hawkins earlier this year. Although the move took a weapon away from division rival Cincinnati, cynics are naturally wondering how much Hawkins can help the Browns.
The answer is potentially a lot. Baby Hawk could be Cleveland’s number one wide receiver. But heading into the season, he looks like one of those guys who will offer more in reality than fantasy. The Browns will be running more this year and their passing game may not be able to flourish for a variety of reasons. If you drafted Hawkins, hold onto him for a little while as he has some potential to be a pleasant surprise, but if his development is limited, do not hesitate to drop him when the bye week crunch rolls around.
In 2012, Andrew Hawkins made headlines as a slot receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals. Undrafted out of Toledo, Hawkins caught 51 passes for 533 yards and four touchdowns. The Browns signed Hawkins earlier this year to a high-dollar contract, figuring he could help them while his departure from Cincinnati would hurt one of their AFC North rivals. Andrew gained greater importance to the Browns when superstar Josh Gordon was suspended for the season. Can Baby Hawk soar up the fantasy board?
Fantasy Upside
Hawkins is capable of turning short passes into long gains. So far in his career, he has already had three receptions of 50 yards or more. The only “sure thing” receiver on the Browns is tight end Jordan Cameron, but Andrew at least has a bit of a track record and will surely figure in Cleveland’s plans given his contract. It is quite easy to envision Hawkins as the number one wide receiver for the Browns. When the offense needs a catch on third down to keep a drive alive, they will look to Hawkins quite a bit, giving him the potential to emerge as a PPR asset.
Fantasy Downside
Hawkins stands 5’7” and that means he probably won’t get a lot of red zone targets. Those will go to Cameron. The Browns also have Miles Austin, a capable player if he stays healthy. Speaking of staying healthy, with his tiny frame, Hawkins is no lock to play 16 games. He missed a good portion of the season last year with an ankle injury. Neither of Cleveland’s quarterbacks, Brian Hoyer or Johnny Manziel, played all that well during the preseason. Hawkins was able to have success in Cincinnati in large part because A.J. Green drew so much attention from defenses. In Cleveland, he will not have that luxury.
Bottom Line
None of Cleveland's wide receivers have much in the way of upside. Hawkins might have a few big games, but outside of deep PPR leagues, it is hard to justify handing him a roster spot.
