Joe Hawley joined the Tampa Buccaneers last season, and to the surprise of the Bucs and the fans, worked out on the line. Not only was he a capable center, he became the keystone of the Tampa Bay offensive line. Hawley became a Buccaneer, following an ACL tear that allowed him to participate in only a handful of games in his final season with the Falcons. The Falcons released Hawley, and that proved to be another instance of one man’s trash being another man’s treasure.
Dirk Koetter knew Hawley while at Atlanta, and that’s why it’s no surprise Koetter rushed to Jason Licht to plead for Hawley’s acquisition. The acquiring of Hawley couldn’t have come at a better time, as in the week he was signed, starting center Evan Smith fell with an injury. Hawley played so well, that when Evan Smith was healthy, Tampa kept Joe in instead.
Now in 2016, it seems Hawley is a lock for the starting role at center, and shouldn’t have too much competition, if any, for his job. He helped solidify an offensive line that was more than subpar in year’s prior, and as it improved in 2015, it should improve even more in this upcoming season. Hawley is a talented player and a great addition to the team. Joe Hawley also has a pretty sick beard maybe that’s secret behind his skills.
