Jaguars potential 2022 draft picks to watch: Michigan vs. Georgia

No. 5 Draft prospect the Jaguars must watch – Hassan Haskins, RB.

Running back was the one position the Jaguars didn’t have to worry about for most of the 2021 season but that change after James Robinson suffered a torn Achilles. With season-ending injuries to their top two running backs, Jacksonville shoud add depth in the offseason. There will be several enticing options in free agency but they can also turn to the draft for help.

The 2022 running back class figures to be deep and the Jags could easily acquired a solid prospect on Days 2 and 3. Enter Hassan Haskins. After tallying a combined 997 rushing yards and ten touchdowns in the previous two years, the Missouri native had breakout season in 2021, toting the rock 261 times for 1,288 yards and 20 trips to the end zone.

Althoug Haskins doesn’t have top-speed and elite range, he has more than enough athleticism and the size (6’1″, 220 pounds) to play in the NFL. Ian Cummings of Pro Football Network believes the Michigan standout has appeal in inside-zone and power-gap schemes. He adds that he’s good in pass-blocking situations and has shown promise as a receiver.

Haskins could get drafted as high as the third round but he might be available later. The Jags are going to have extra selections in the sixth and seventh round after trading cornerback Sidney Jones, quarterback Gardner Minshew and linebacker Joe Schobert before the start of the season. They could use one of those extra selections on the running back position or use them as ammo to trade up.