Detroit Lions: Ameer Abdullah Will Command Playing Time

By Andrew C. Fisher | May 6, 2015

Opinions were split as to whether the Detroit Lions should take a running back in the 2015 NFL Draft. It was a position they could have maybe used help at, not necessarily an area of need. But with the departure of Reggie Bush in the offseason, there was technically a spot open, even though you could argue that Theo Riddick should just be bumped into the No. 2 role behind Joique Bell.

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At the same time, there’s no such thing as too much offensive talent in the NFL today. Fans are never going to complain about bringing playmakers on board. Offense is definitely the name of the game, both on the field and in the stands.

Oct 25, 2014; Lincoln, NE, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers running back Ameer Abdullah (8) runs away from Rutgers Scarlet Knights defenders Kyle Federico (1) and Vance Matthews (87) in the second half at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska won 42-24. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports

Detroit did ultimately take a running back in round two of this year’s draft in the form of Ameer Abdullah out of Nebraska. He’s a pick fans should feel good about, as it’s really a rich getting richer situation.

Over his four seasons at Nebraska, Abdullah rushed for over 4,500 yards and scored more than 40 touchdowns. He was a Heisman trophy candidate early on in 2014 and lived the part to the tune of 1,600 yards rushing, 260 yards receiving and 22 total touchdowns. He ultimately was outperformed by Melvin Gordon and Tevin Coleman, but it was a historic season for running backs in the Big Ten Conference.

His efforts still landed him second team All-Big Ten honors and a spot in the second round of the NFL Draft. Not too shabby, especially when you consider that he landed with a playoff team.

As far as his fit with the Lions is concerned, not only will he play right away, he’s a candidate to shine from the start. With 4.5 speed, good short-burst quickness and above average pass-catching ability out of the backfield, the coaching staff will have little trouble finding ways to get him involved.

Naturally, he’s not without his flaws.

“Lacks ideal size that teams look for from a three-down running back. Frame is close to maxed out. Doesn’t always go through his pass routes at full speed. Smallish frame causes some issues in pass protection. Tenacity in protection needs to improve. Ball security is a legitimate concern with 13 fumbles over his four years at Nebraska,” wrote NFL Draft analyst Lance Zierlein of NFL.com.

Despite concerns about his size and hands, there’s no reason to think that Abdullah won’t compete with Riddick right away for the No. 2 spot in the Lions backfield. Bell is the clear No. 1 back, but he’s also a much bigger, different type of back.

Overall, the Lions hit a home run with the pick of Abdullah. It’s still arguable whether or not they needed to select a running back that high in the draft, but the selection of him based on value at No. 54 is a win any way you slice it.

The Lions got a guy that can help them win football games from day one, not a prospect they hope will develop someday down the road.

His size is not worrisome in the least, considering the success of smaller backs all over league. But if there’s one thing that will hold Ameer Abduallah down, it’s a lack of ball control. If he doesn’t hang on to the rock, the rest of his top-notch skill set won’t even matter.

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