LSU offensive lineman Jerald Hawkins has announced that he will enter the 2016 NFL Draft, as Scott Ferrell of the Shreveport Times writes. The 6-foot-6, 305-pound junior is projected by some to go as high as the first round. 
“After much thought and prayer with my family, I have decided to bypass my final year of eligibility and pursue a career in the NFL,” Hawkins announced on Instagram (Twitter link). “These years at LSU have been nothing short of amazing, but I feel I am ready for the next stage in my athletic career.”
The deadline for underclassmen to declare is January 18th, but Hawkins did not need to take things up until the eleventh hour. After a strong junior season, many expected that Hawkins would pursue his dream of playing in the NFL rather than return for a final year at LSU. With raw power, a big frame, and a wingspan large enough to make any boxer jealous, Hawkins soared when he was moved from right tackle over to the left side.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
He would be a good fit for the Bucs.
He would be a good fit for my Bucs. Donovan Smith had a good year at left tackle, but grades better as a guard and with Mankins on the verge of retiring, the Bucs could draft a left tackle.