Detroit Lions part of pre-draft rounds for Michigan running back Hassan Haskins

Former Michigan running back Hassan Haskins has a busy pre-draft schedule, and the Detroit Lions are now part of his rounds. 

Former Michigan running back Hassan Haskins visited the two Florida NFL teams this week, with other workouts or dinners with the Saints and Steelers. According to Aaron Wilson of Pro Football Network, Haskins will visit the Detroit Lions on Monday.

Being a Michigan alum surely qualifies Haskins as a local prospect visit for the Lions, and he wouldn’t count against their top-30 allotment. Erik Schlitt of Pride of Detroit also reminds us the Lions have their local pro day on Monday.

Haskins had a fantastic final season in Ann Arbor, with 1,327 rushing yards (second in the Big Ten) and a school single-season record 20 touchdowns. He suffered an ankle injury in the CFB Playoff Game against Georgia, which sidelined  him for the Senior Bowl. He put up 27 bench press reps (225 pounds) at the NFL Combine.

Will the Lions draft Hassan Haskins?

From a broad view, running back is not a need for the Lions. D’Andre Swift has star potential entering his third season, Jamaal Williams is a capable No. 2 and Craig Reynolds made a case to stick on the active roster with a strong run as the lead back last season.

But Williams is only under contract through next season, and as a second-round pick Swift is under contract through 2023 on a four-year rookie deal. If Swift stays healthy and proves worthy of a nice second contract next season the Lions will surely oblige, but that is a question.

Haskins is a big (6-foot-1, 228 pounds) physical, straight-line runner without much wiggle. He wasn’t ask to do much as a passer catcher in college, but he did average over seven yards a catch last year and could have some potential there with the right usage.

It wouldn’t be a total surprise to see Detroit use a Day 3 draft pick on a running back. Haskins will be drafted in that range, and he’s on the Lions’ radar to some degree.