Hassan Haskins: Draft profile| Or Kimani Vidal| Combine| Draft| Fantasy

In the NFL world of running backs, the difference between a rotational back and a featured star often comes down to the blend of athletic traits, vision, consistency, and scheme fit. Two names that merit attention — though at very different stages — are Hassan Haskins and Kimani Vidal. This article breaks down their paths, physical measurables, scouting assessments, and how each might (or does) factor into fantasy and roster construction.


1. Early Life & College Careers

Hassan Haskins

  • Hassan Askiali Haskins Jr. was born November 26, 1999 in St. Louis, Missouri.

  • He attended Eureka High School in Missouri, where he was a modestly recruited prospect. He ultimately accepted a scholarship from the University of Michigan.

  • At Michigan (2018–2021), Haskins established himself as a tough, between-the-tackles runner. Over his collegiate career he compiled 2,324 rushing yards and 30 rushing touchdowns, without a single fumble from 2019–2021.

  • His senior year (2021) was his standout season: 270 carries, 1,327 yards (4.9 avg), and 20 rushing touchdowns — at that time a Michigan school record.

  • He also showed ability as a receiver out of the backfield (18 catches for 131 yards) in 2021, though his receiving work was limited relative to premier dual-threat backs.

Haskins is often viewed as a “power back” who leverages vision, contact balance, and a downhill style, rather than an explosive outside runner or elusive shift-the-gear runner.

Kimani Vidal

  • Kimani Vidal was born August 28, 2001 in Atlanta, Georgia, and attended Marietta High School.

  • In high school he was a multi-dimensional athlete, playing both running back and linebacker, and had offers from programs like LSU, South Carolina, and others, though he ultimately committed to Troy University.

  • At Troy (2020–2023), Vidal became the all-time rushing leader for the Trojans with 4,010 career rushing yards across four seasons.

  • His 2023 season was especially impressive: 1,661 rushing yards on 297 carries (5.6 average), and 14 rushing touchdowns.

  • In the receiving game, his numbers were more modest: 18 catches for ~201 yards that year.

  • Vidal was also awarded first-team All-Sun Belt, the Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Year, and earned a Senior Bowl nod.

Vidal profiles as a dependable workhorse back at the collegiate level — a heavy volume rusher with solid efficiency, though not necessarily explosive traits across the board.


2. Combine / Pro Day & Athletic Profile

Hassan Haskins — Combine & Pro Day Measurements

Though Haskins did not post all standard measurable drills (he did not run the 40, shuttle, 3-cone, vertical, broad at his combine) he did highlight strength and positional traits:

  • At 6 ft 2 in and ~228 lb, he was one of the bigger backs in his class.

  • He recorded 27 reps on the bench press (225 lbs), among the best totals for running backs that combine.

  • In his combine commentary, Haskins emphasized wanting to show he was more than just a power back: “I’ve got everything in the tool bag.”

Because he skipped speed/agility drills, scouts often referenced his game tape and senior season performance to infer burst, lateral quickness, and other measures.

Kimani Vidal — Combine / Measurables

Unlike Haskins, Vidal participated in standardized measurable drills (or at least Pro Day equivalents). According to his NFLDraftBuzz profile:

  • 40-yard dash: 4.46 seconds (81st percentile among RBs)

  • Shuttle: 4.15 sec (78th percentile)

  • 10-yard split: 1.53 sec (83rd percentile)

  • Vertical jump: 37.5 in (84th percentile)

  • Broad jump: 120 in (61st percentile)

  • 3-cone drill: 7.01 sec (60th percentile)

  • Bench press (225 lb): 18 reps (38th percentile)

His size is listed approximately 5 ft 8 in, ~213 lb.

These metrics show a more complete, balanced profile: he has enough speed and explosion to complement his volume-running style, though his strength (bench) is not dominant.


3. Draft Projections & Scouting Breakdown

Hassan Haskins — Draft Projection & Scouting Notes

Draft Projection

  • Haskins was selected in the 4th round (131st overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Tennessee Titans.

  • At draft time, some scouting outlets projected him as a 4th–5th round pick, a developmental/in-between backs option.

  • In FantasyPoints’ “2022 Dynasty Draft Profile,” analysts compared him to Adrian Peterson’s downhill style, noting he may lack top-end burst but offers physicality and consistency.

Strengths

  1. Power & contact balance: Haskins is adept at absorbing contact and pushing forward through defenders.

  2. Vision & patience: He shows the ability to read blocks, navigate inside zones or power concepts, and wait for creases to develop.

  3. Pass protection: Scouts at times praised his awareness and willingness to pick up blitzers and pass-block, a valuable trait for three-down work.

  4. Competitiveness & demeanor: Always plays with effort, tough-minded, willing to grind.

Weaknesses / Risks

  1. Lack of elite burst / explosiveness: Because he skipped most combine measures, projections rely on film—he is not seen as a burner.

  2. Limited receiving route tree: His pass-catching is serviceable but not polished; he doesn’t offer as much to offenses that demand versatile backs.

  3. Tackled in space / agility limitations: He may struggle to quickly change directions or evade defenders in open field.

  4. Footwork or tightness: Some scouts noted he appears “tight” in lateral movements or may dance when forced to redirect.

In summary, many saw Haskins as a “safe bet” between rounds 4–5: likely a rotational back, goal-line / short-yardage asset, possibly a solid backup or co-starter in a committee.

Kimani Vidal — Draft Projection & Scouting Notes

Draft Projection

  • Vidal was selected in the 6th round (181st overall) of the 2024 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Chargers.

  • At the time, his draft buzz suggested a Day-3 pick. His rating on NFLDraftBuzz is ~78.7, with a projected draft slot in the 6th round.

  • Positionally, he was ranked about #17 among RBs in that draft class.

Strengths

  1. Workhorse volume & durability: His college resume shows he can handle heavy workloads — 297 carries in 2023 — suggesting stamina and resilience.

  2. Balanced athletic traits: Vidal’s combine metrics reflect a good mix of speed (4.46 40), agility, and explosion (vertical 37.5″) relatively balanced for his size.

  3. Efficiency in college: Averaging 5.6 yards per carry in 2023 is solid for a high-volume back.

  4. Pass catch ability (though modest): While not elite, Vidal offers some receiving upside which may help in third-down or change-of-pace roles.

  5. Underdog upside: As a late-round pick, Vidal can climb if given opportunities, especially in a backfield that may see change or injury

Weaknesses / Risks

  1. Limited strength: His bench press results (18 reps) suggest he may not impose as much at the point of contact as some power backs.

  2. Size / durability concerns: At 5′8″, 213 lbs, he is not undersized by any means but may be tested by more physical NFL defensive fronts.

  3. Competition & depth chart: Vidal enters a depth chart with incumbents; he must show quickly to supplant or earn meaningful reps.

  4. Route polish / complex pass game: He is not yet a turnkey pass-catching RB in elaborate routes or pass-protection schemes.

ProFootballNetwork, in a fantasy context, described Vidal as “intriguing” but not yet firmly established, especially being 3rd on the depth chart at his team.


4. NFL Journeys & Current Status

Hassan Haskins — NFL Career & Recent Developments

  • After being drafted by the Tennessee Titans in 2022, Haskins saw limited usage as a rookie. He appeared in 15 games (one start) and contributed both as a back and on special teams.

  • His rookie season stat line included ~150 scrimmage yards and 11 receptions.

  • In December 2024, he was claimed off waivers by the Los Angeles Chargers.

  • With the Chargers, he’s also made impact on special teams, and in one game converted a shovel pass into a 34-yard touchdown.

  • Haskins’ path has not been without turbulence: In 2023, he was placed on injured reserve, and there was a stint where he was placed on the Commissioner Exempt List related to a domestic dispute, leading to a waiver decision ahead of the 2024 season.

  • As of now, he is on the Chargers roster, contributing in rotational scenarios and special teams.

Kimani Vidal — NFL Entry & Early Performance

  • Vidal was taken by the Los Angeles Chargers in 2024 (6th round, pick 181).

  • He made his NFL debut in October 2024 and scored a 38-yard touchdown reception from Justin Herbert on his first offensive touch.

  • However, Vidal’s roster status has fluctuated: He was waived on August 26, 2025, and then re-signed to the practice squad the next day.

  • His 2024 stat line was modest: 155 rushing yards, 3.6 average, plus 5 receptions for 62 yards and 1 receiving TD.

  • As of 2025, Vidal is active on the practice squad, continuing to vie for opportunities.


5. Fantasy Implications & Outlook

Hassan Haskins — Fantasy Context

Haskins is not a household name in most standard fantasy leagues, but he carries value under certain conditions: injury to lead backs, goals-line usage, or in deeper leagues. Some points worth noting:

  • His physical traits (size, contact running, pass block ability) make him a safe late-round flier or handcuff-type target.

  • In deeper or dynasty leagues, Haskins offers interesting value when rostered as a depth option, especially if injuries strike.

  • His role in special teams (kick returns, etc.) adds marginal value in superflex or individual defensive player (IDP) formats — though only minimally.

  • Against weak defensive fronts or in ground-heavy offenses, he can exceed baseline expectations as a change-of-pace option — but consistency is less assured.

  • Fantasy analysts often view him as a late-round or waiver-wire pickup rather than as a central piece.

Because Haskins has had ups and downs with roster spots and availability, his fantasy ceiling is modest but his floor is low — making him a speculative depth play.

Kimani Vidal — Fantasy Outlook & Potential

Vidal’s fantasy appeal is higher on paper given his youth and upside trajectory, but caveats apply. Here’s how he currently stacks in fantasy:

  • As of 2025, Vidal’s fantasy usage is limited. For example, FantasyPros shows his Week 5 output at 18 rushing yards + 1 reception = 2.90 points.

  • His roster share is essentially negligible in standard leagues (1% Yahoo, 0% ESPN).

  • In deeper formats (dynasty, 2-RB, superflex), Vidal could be treated as a speculative stash depending on how the Chargers use him.

  • Analysts like ProFootballNetwork suggest he may not see heavy volume immediately but could be a late-round flier for managers willing to gamble on upside.

  • If he wins a larger role (via injury or performance), his heavy college usage suggests he can handle volume, but his conversion to the NFL level will depend on scheme fit, pass protection, and offensive design.

  • His balanced measurable profile gives hope that he can gradually expand his role beyond “just a downhill runner.”

  • In short, Vidal is more of a “wait-and-see” fantasy asset: low cost, potentially high reward if the opportunity opens.


6. Comparative Summary & Key Takeaways

Feature Hassan Haskins Kimani Vidal
College & Productivity Michigan’s bruiser, solid rushing totals + touchdown record Troy’s all-time rushing leader, heavy volume offensive backbone
Measurables / Athletic Profile Very limited formal testing; strength highlight (27 bench reps) Balanced combine metrics (4.46 40, vertical, agility drills)
Draft / Scouting Grade 4th-5th round projection, 4th round actual 6th round projection and selection
Strengths Power running, contact balance, pass protection, toughness Workhorse volume, balanced traits, efficiency, upside as underdog
Weaknesses / Risks Lack of top-end burst, limited receiving polish Strength limitations, small stature (relative), depth chart competition
Current Status in NFL On Chargers, contributing in rotational & special teams roles Practice squad, early-career, some glimpses but not yet stable
Fantasy Role Depth pick / handcuff / spot starter in case of injury High-upside sleeper in deeper leagues, speculative stash

Ratings
About Gurmeet 16715 Articles
Gurmeet Singh is a sports blogger and professional content writer from Jammu, India, with over seven years of experience, including work with Google. Passionate about sports and storytelling, he creates engaging, SEO-optimized content that informs and inspires readers worldwide.

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*