The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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NFL DRAFT PREVIEW Other Wolverines That Might Be Selected Cornerback Vincent Gray, defensive tackle Chris Hinton and linebacker Josh Ross were Michigan's three other pros- pects at the NFL Combine. Most pundits have them coming off the board late in the draft or being signed as priority free agents. Hinton's choice to leave Mich- igan was surprising given his underclassman status, but he still feels comfortable in his de- cision to declare. "It's not an easy decision be- cause it's always that 'what if ' situation," he said at the com- bine. "I talked to a couple of people and those guys said that whatever decision you make, go full-steam ahead with it. If it's to come back or to go to the NFL, just don't look back. "At the end of the day, you're the one who has to live with that decision, and I'm happy with that decision. I've been at- tacking my training and look- ing forward to competing here." Safety Brad Hawkins and wide receiver Daylen Baldwin were the other two Wolverines to de- clare for the NFL Draft, though neither received a combine in- vitation. Hawkins participated in the East-West Shrine Bowl and was named one of the standouts at his position. "Hawk ins is a throwback 221-pound safety who may end up at linebacker in the NFL with how comfortable he is playing in the box," Pro Football Focus wrote. "He was one of the highest-graded safeties in the country against the rushing at- tack this year, earning an 84.9 run-defense grade." Baldwin was a role player on Michigan's offense this year, hauling in 17 catches for 256 yards and two touchdowns. His best shot at the NFL will be to impress someone during the offseason enough to earn a rookie camp invite. ❑ Offensive Tackle Andrew Stueber Projection: Mid-Round Pick Andrew Stueber is expected to kick inside to guard in the NFL after playing most of his college career at tackle. Front offices are at peace with that, which makes his lower-than- average testing numbers at the combine easier to stomach. "Stueber was the enforcer on that line for Michigan," NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah said. "He's played a lot at right tackle, generates a ton of movement on down blocks. I thought when you keep him on that one track when he's working up to the next level, he's outstanding. I worry about some of his balance out in space. "And then some of the speed out on the edge gave him trouble, but I think he'll be much better equipped if he can slide inside. You've seen [former Michigan offensive line- man Jon] Runyan do it [with the Green Bay Packers]. We've talked about that. You talk to some of the guys that have worked with [Stue- ber] and trained him, that name comes up." Stueber is on board with whatever is asked of him at the next level. "Some teams may have underrated my quickness and speed," he said at the com- bine. "But I'm willing to play anywhere. Anywhere a team wants me to go, I'll play. "If you ask me where I feel most comfortable, I'd say I feel most comfortable at tackle right now. That's where I played the most. But I feel good playing guard as well." Running Back Hassan Haskins Projection: Mid-Round Pick The Wolverines are going to miss what Hassan Haskins provided in the rushing attack in 2021, but he now has an opportunity to take those skills to the NFL. He is moving through the process hoping to prove he can do whatever is asked of him. "I've got everything in the toolbag. I like being the ham- mer, not the nail. I like to run through people," he said. Haskins likely will share carries in the NFL, which is a dynamic that he has no issues with after his time at Michigan. He spent much of last year splitting reps with Blake Corum and had no problems with that setup. "It was smooth," he said. "We complemented each other. I cheered him on; he cheered me on. It was never a selfish thing between us. It was pretty good and exciting to see. "Everybody has got to eat, so I can see that [carrying over]." Listed at 6-1, 228 pounds, Haskins could thrive in a backfield stable at the next level, but it all depends on the destination. "While he played the role he was cast into, there were signs [versus Penn State] that he might have some potential as an inside/outside back," NFL.com's Lance Zierlein says. "Haskins won't make a living out of dodging tacklers, and big chain-movers who lack wiggle are not hard to find. He still has a chance to stick in the NFL if he lands in the right situation." Haskins opted out of every event but the bench press at the combine, where he put up 27 reps and led all running backs in that category. He had previously missed Senior Bowl week due to an ankle injury suffered in the Orange Bowl loss to Georgia. NFL COMBINE MEASUREMENTS Height 6-7 Weight 325 pounds Arms 34 1 ⁄8 inches Hands 10 inches 40-yd. dash — Bench — Vertical 24.5 inches Broad 101 inches 3-cone 7.94 seconds 20-yd. shuttle 4.9 seconds 60-yd. shuttle — APRIL 2022 THE WOLVERINE 35