Hassan Haskins went from free agent to real roster contender in a hurry, and now the New England Patriots have a new name in the mix for one of their backup running back jobs.
The timing was abrupt. Haskins was out of work last week, then came in for a workout, and once Myles Montgomery and Terrell Jennings were both placed on injured reserve, he was in uniform for New England’s preseason opener against the Indianapolis Colts. For a player still learning the offense, it was a respectable first step: five carries, 15 rushing yards, and some work on special teams.
That’s enough to put him on the board in a backfield that suddenly has an opening behind Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson. The third running back spot had looked like Jennings’ at one point, but now the competition appears to be down to Haskins, Lan Larison, JaMycal Hasty and Jam Miller, with Miller’s strong preseason debut giving him the edge for now.
Haskins, a former fourth-round pick by Mike Vrabel and the Tennessee Titans, knows exactly what he has to sell. He called himself “a physical back,” but made it clear there’s more to his game than just power.
"I'm a physical back, but I feel like I can move well," Haskins told reporters after Sunday's walkthrough practice. "You know, I've got different tools in my tool bag. I feel like I can bring (them) to the table."
There’s also familiarity working in his favor. Haskins said it has been good to reconnect with Vrabel and with position coach Tony Dews, who also worked with him in Tennessee. The two were even seen in the team facility during a media tour, going through the playbook before the Patriots took the field.
For Haskins, the path to the roster likely runs through versatility. He can help as a runner, but he may need to show he can be useful on special teams too. That’s been part of his NFL background already, with kick return reps during his time with Tennessee and the Los Angeles Chargers.
So has Larison, which means that part of the battle may come down to who can give New England the most value in multiple roles.
"I just always did it in college," Haskins said. "It just always was built in me, and I feel like any way I can get on the field, I'm gonna do it and do (it the) best of my abilities."
Miller still looks like the leader in the clubhouse after one preseason game and two practices since. The Alabama rookie ran the ball well against Indianapolis and has looked sharper in pass protection since arriving. But Haskins has a real chance to fit into this offense, especially if his physical style and veteran awareness continue to show up.
And after spending time unsigned, he sounds like a player who isn’t about to waste the opportunity.
"Just don't take nothing for granted," Haskins said when asked about what he learned while unsigned. "I love being out with a team, with a family. ... Just don't take that for granted, and just come out here every and each day and be thankful."
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