Comcast Player Profiles: Joe Hawley Edition

As announced previously in this space, Comcast has generously agreed to support the best NFL community around -- us!  As part of that effort, between now and the end of the 2010 NFL season Comcast will be sponsoring a variety of special editorial and interactive features on our site.

So Comcast, as you know, is doing this thing where they sponsor some posts. The people of Comcast will cure your gout! And so forth.

Now that I have the obligatory silliness out of the way, let's get down to business with Joe Hawley. He's a fierce bearded offensive lineman joining a line full of them, and he looks like a viking in a jersey. That's the kind of guy I want on my offensive line.

But is he the future at center here in Atlanta?

Name: Joe Hawley

College: Beardley Beardington University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Nickname: The Pain Train! That is badass.

2010 Role: Backup center and guard, and potentially part-time snapper of long

Reminds Us Faintly Of: A less intense Harvey Dahl

Why He's Good: Versatile enough to play center and guard, and can long snap, to boot. Athletic for a big ol' offensive lineman. Intelligent player and by all accounts a higher character sort. Excellent upper body technique. Has the frame to grow still larger if need be. Joe Hawley was a ten foot tall monster who slept with all our wives! And punched us all in the face! And we loved him for it!

Why He's Not: Will need to bulk up a little bit to fight off NFL caliber defensive tackles. His footwork needs....work. Because of that combination, may be driven off the line until he's able to adjust. May not have the strength and stamina to be a full-time starter.

Notable Quotable: "They told me that I'm going to be able to come in and fight for a job, but they have a 12-year veteran at center.....They're expecting me to learn from him and eventually take over for him, but told me to come out with the mindset that I'm going to start."

Bottom Line: Hawley's a confident guy and someone who has a lot to recommend him. There are concerns that he's got a ways to go before he can truly take over for Todd McClure, but I do believe the strength and footwork can be solved by work with a coach and in the weight room. At the very least, he'll be a versatile reserve for many years to come. 

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