Baltimore Ravens: 5 Running Back Draft Targets

Dec 27, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers player Ameer Abdullah (8) jumps over Southern California Trojans cornerback Josh Shaw (6) in the fourth quarter in the 2014 Holiday Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium. USC won 45-42. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Ameer Abdullah – Nebraska

Ameer Abdullah shares a lot of similarities to Justin Forsett, so the Ravens may try and find a like-for-like replacement in the draft.

Nov 15, 2014; Madison, WI, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers running back Ameer Abdullah (8) during the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin won 59-24. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

First, they compare in size. Neither Abdullah (5’9″, 205 pounds) or Forsett (5’8″, 197 pounds) are particularly big, but they both maximise their other strengths.

In his four years with Nebraska, Abdullah ran the ball 813 times for 4,588 yards and 39 touchdowns.

Like Forsett, he is a good pass-catcher and would be a solid receiving threat for Joe Flacco. Abdullah caught 73 passes for 690 yards and seven touchdowns in college.

His speed, ability to break tackles and finish runs will make him a top-tier back in a deep class this year.

Abdullah impressed at the NFL combine. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.60 seconds and recorded 24 reps in the bench press drills.

His 42.5 inch vertical jump, 130.0 inch broad jump, 6.79 second cone drill, 3.95 20-yard shuttle and 11.18 60-yard shuttle were all unmatched by any other running back in the combine.

Due to Abdullah’s size, he may drop into the second or third round, should the Ravens attempt to pick him up.

Next: Another versatile threat...