Bill Hawkins DL L.A. Rams 1st round 21st overall 1989
Hawkins was inducted into the Miami Sports Hall of Fame after finishing his Hurricanes’ career with 22 sacks. That is seventh all-time in Miami history. Hawkins was third all-time in sacks for Miami when he finished his eligibility. Hawkins was a three-year starter for Miami and an All-American in 1988.
Hawkins finished the 1988 season with 67 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, and 8.5 sacks. That stellar season led Hawkins to be a finalist for the Lombardi Award for the best college football lineman. Hawkins finished his Miami career with 223 tackles, 19 TFLs, four fumble recoveries, one forced fumble, and 22 sacks.
Hawkins was the fifth defensive lineman selected in the 1989 NFL Draft. As a rookie Hawkins played in 13 games with one start and recorded 11 tackles. Hawkins played 15 games in his second season, primarily at defensive tackle. Hawkins finished the 1990 season with nine tackles and two sacks.
Over his final two seasons, Hawkins played only 14 games with seven starts in 1992. Hawkins was never able to recover from surgery for a torn ACL injury in November 1992. The Rams cut Hawkins during the 1993 training camp. Hawkins finished his NFL career with five sacks in 42 games over four seasons.