2022 NFL Draft grades: Michigan RB Hassan Haskins to the Tennessee Titans in fourth round garners mixed reviews
Michigan Wolverines football running back Hassan Haskins was taken by the Tennessee Titans with the No. 131 overall pick in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
Haskins was considered a late-round pick — fifth, sixth or seventh round — heading into the event, but the Titans liked his game enough to add him to the fold much earlier. Tennessee ran the second-most rushing plays in the league last season, so despite having a star back in Derrick Henry, the former Michigan workhorse may be able to carve out a role for himself.
The Titans didn’t get ‘A’ marks for the selection, but some experts out there still had positive things to say about his addition. Here’s a look at how the pick is being graded.
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Ryan Gosling, Pro Football Network: B
Nick Gray, Nashville Tennessean: B-
“Haskins is a downhill runner who is not going to run past defenders or make them miss,” Gray wrote. “He had 24 career catches at Michigan, so he can catch the ball out of the backfield. But as a backup to Derrick Henry, he’ll be more of the same instead of a change of pace.
Shaun Calderon, Titans Wire: B-
“Tennessee felt like Haskins would be a perfect complement to the physical brand of football the team plays, and I have no complaints in that regard,” Calderon wrote of the Michigan standout.
“I would have personally preferred to get a more complete third-down back who is polished in pass protection, and in the passing game in general.
“But I can’t blame the Titans for swinging on someone who fits their culture to a tee and has the potential to become a legit three-down starter down the line.
“Making him even more attractive is the fact that he has a history of protecting the football, as he didn’t fumble in 452 carries in college. The importance of taking care of the football is something head coach Mike Vrabel is constantly preaching about.
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“Haskins knows a thing or two about stiff arms, and he’s also known for the “Haskins Hurdle” due to his natural ability to get over the opposition.
“Overall, I like the pick. Not sure I like the spot as much so I can’t go with an “A” here, but this move will get a solid, above-average grade from me.”
Brent Sobleski, Bleacher Report: C
“Michigan’s Hassan Haskins joins the Tennessee Titans and will take on a very specific role as a third-down running back,” Sobleski wrote. “Obviously, Derrick Henry remains the workhorse, but Haskins can come onto the field to provide a receiver threat or when solid protection is necessary.”
Chris Trapasso, CBS Sports: C
“Old-school power back with deceptive burst through the hole,” Trapasso wrote of the former Michigan back. “Some flashes of elusiveness but won’t be a strength at the next level. Too early for him but does fit the type the Titans like and will eventually need at RB.”
Pro Football Focus: ‘Below Average’
“One of the toughest running backs in the draft, Hassan Haskins provides the grit and power many teams are seeking out of their rotational running running backs,” the site wrote. “A consistent generator of extra yards at Michigan, Haskins earned an 91.2 overall offensive grade and 89.0 rushing grade in his final season as a Wolverine, finishing as one of only four FBS running backs with 1,300-plus rushing yards and 20 rushing touchdowns in 2021. The Tennessee Titans clearly have a type at the running back position, as Haskins will be a valuable backup to workhorse Derrick Henry.”
