Round 2 Pick 54 RB Ameer Abdullah Post Draft Articles

Pre Draft Articles and Scouting Reports:   http://captainbluelionslinks.blogspot.com/2015/05/rb-ameer-abdullah-round-2-pick-54.html

Articles:

Lions' Abdullah signs, compared to Steve Smith (5-14-15):  http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/05/13/ameer-abdullah-signs/27247273/

Best and worst draft picks for NFC North teams (Detroit Lions - Best: RB Ameer Abdullah, Round 2 (No. 54 overall) The former Nebraska star was the fourth running back chosen in the draft, and the Lionsgot good value for him in the latter half of the round. He explodes through the smallest of holes and can catch the ball exceptionally well. Fumbling is a concern on Abdullah, but if he proves trustworthy in securing the ball, theLions will put it in his hands a lot.) (5-13-15):   http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000492482/article/best-and-worst-2015-draft-picks-for-nfc-north-teams

Sudden impact: Projecting top 100 NFL rookies of 2015 (38. RB Ameer Abdullah, Detroit Lions: RB Joique Bell will still play a big role, but Abdullah will help in a number of areas, including the passing game.) (5-13-15):   http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000492541/article/sudden-impact-projecting-top-100-nfl-rookies-of-2015

Ameer Abdullah signs rookie deal with Detroit Lions; first-rounder Laken Tomlinson last rookie unsigned (5-13-15):   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/05/ameer_abdullah_signs_rookie_de.html

Ameer Abdullah could be answer for Lions' return game (5-13-15):   http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/17114/ameer-abdullah-could-be-answer-for-lions-return-game

Five thoughts about the Detroit Lions after Day 2 of rookie minicamp (While watching the running backs, Ameer Abdullah looked like a much better physical specimen than all of the other running backs. It has shown throughout his career during games, but physically he looks like he could take a hit and be fine.) (5-9-15):   http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/17072/five-thoughts-about-the-detroit-lions-after-day-2-of-rookie-minicamp

Work ethic of Lions' Abdullah instilled at young age (5-9-15):   http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/05/09/ameer-abdullah-detroit-lions/27064151/

5 players to watch as Detroit Lions open rookie minicamp today (RB Ameer Abudallah: This might have been the most polarizing pick of the Lions' draft, with some preferring Indiana's Tevin Coleman over Abduallah because of the fumbles thing. (Abdullah had 24 in his four seasons with Nebraska, though lost just two as a senior). Abudullah won't be able to escape those comparisons, and has some work to do to win over the fan base. It'll also be interesting to note where he's used on special teams, and how he looks. If he's good enough to win the return jobs, Jeremy Ross could be out in Detroit.) (5-8-15):   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/05/5_players_to_watch_as_detroit.html

Five things to watch: Rookie minicamp (Ameer Abdullah: The Lions expect Abdullah to be a playmaker in their offense from Day 1. He’s a quick-twitch player with great stop-and-start speed. Head coach Jim Caldwell is expecting him to make plays as a runner, receiver and returner. He was a kick returner all four years at Nebraska but hasn’t returned punts since his freshman and sophomore seasons. How good are his hands? How fast is he? Is he as dynamic in space as everyone says? These are all things we’ll start to gather this weekend.) (5-8-15):   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/Five-things-to-watch-Rookie-minicamp/41b628dd-6bcc-42fb-886f-209dcd79051b

Video - Abdullah On Day One Of Rookie Minicamp (5-8-15):  http://www.detroitlions.com/media-center/videos/Abdullah-on-day-one-of-rookie-minicamp/aa549d08-6dc7-467a-8017-5f1e99e7cc29

NOTEBOOK: Ameer Abdullah returns punts during practice (5-8-15):   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/NOTEBOOK-Ameer-Abdullah-returns-punts-during-practice/ff9dd3d2-35b4-4cd4-9e28-2d9ff321e000

Davis: Projecting the 2015 NFL All-Rookie team (RB - Ameer Abdullah, Round 2 Pick 54, Detroit Lions: Can easily be a three-down running back with his ability to run and catch. He could pile up numbers.) (5-7-15):   http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000491507/article/projecting-the-2015-nfl-allrookie-team

Lions' Ameer Abdullah: I can be an every-down RB (5-7-15):   http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000491598/article/lions-ameer-abdullah-i-can-be-an-everydown-rb

Handicapping the Offensive Rookie of the Year race (Abdullah is picked as a sleeper) (5-7-15):   http://www.si.com/nfl/2015/05/07/offensive-rookie-of-the-year-candidates-jameis-winston-kevin-white

2015 Draft in Review: Detroit Lions (Round 2: Ameer Abdullah, RB, Nebraska: Grade: B+, Abdullah was one of my favorite players to watch in the draft. He plays much bigger than his size would suggest, and can make cuts that few, if any, other players in this draft can make. Abdullah had the second-highest rush grade and highest receiving grade in the RB draft class. He will need to improve in pass protection to be an every down player, but that’s really the only weakness in his game. Depth Chart Fit: Will split time with Joique Bell, but should see significant playing time, especially on early downs.) (5-6-15):   https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2015/05/01/2015-draft-in-review-detroit-lions/

Abdullah: I can be an every-down back for the Lions (5-6-15):   http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/05/06/detroit-lions-ameer-abdullah/70883038/

Greg Cosell analyzes Lions’ draft picks (Round 2 (54) Ameer Abdullah, RB, Nebraska:  Cosell: “I’ve got to tell you I really loved him too. He’s got outstanding natural quickness with explosive short area burst and acceleration. He’s got that stop and start quickness that you love to see. He gets to speed quickly. He can go from 0-60 in a heartbeat. He’s your classic kind of loose hips, elusive runner with a lot of wiggle to make defenders miss. “The fumbles showed up (on film study) but they didn’t bother me and jump out to me where I was watching him going ‘oh my god, this guy is a fumbler and it’s a real problem.’ It didn’t strike me that way. Obviously for a coach one fumble is too many, so I’m not going to sit here and tell you it doesn’t mean anything, but I didn’t feel like he was a fumbler with a terrible problem.” Final line: “I made the note when I was done, and I know this sounds controversial, but you know me enough to know that I don’t say anything to be controversial, it’s just based on what I see on film ... I thought he could be, and you could make the argument, he’s the most talented runner in this class after (Todd) Gurley, but will not be drafted like that due to his size and questions about his utilization in the NFL.”) (5-5-15):   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/Greg-Cosell-analyzes-Lions%E2%80%99-draft-picks/caf7ddb4-4ee4-407c-be54-f630fbb94806

Video: Is Ameer Abdullah a good fit with Detroit? (5-5-15):   http://www.omaha.com/huskers/blogs/video-is-ameer-abdullah-a-good-fit-with-detroit/article_118e3d42-f370-11e4-b13d-5bb714f56e60.html

2015 NFL Draft Review: NFC North (Ameer Abdullah – RB – Nebraska: Abdullah may not have ideal size, but he has proven to be a very durable back while at Nebraska. He is as quick to the hole as any back and has outstanding instincts. Though he lacks size, he is an every down back who will also help in the passing game.) (5-4-15):   http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/2015-nfl-draft-review-nfc-north/

O'HARA'S MONDAY COUNTDOWN: Filling needs the 2015 Draft theme (Speed trap: Ameer Adbullah wasn’t known for blazing speed at Nebraska. His official time of 4.60 seconds in the Combine was a little above average, but he stood out in the other drills. Melvin Gordon of Wisconsin was the second back drafted, behind Todd Gurley of Georgia, and deservedly so. Gordon’s Combine 40 time was 4.52 seconds.  But Abdullah had the edge in some other drills that show leg drive, power and quickness. His vertical jump was 42.5 inches compared to 35 for Gordon, and his standing broad jump was 10 feet, 10 inches compared to 9-6 for Gordon. In two other drills to evaluate quickness and agility, Abdullah was timed in 3.95 seconds in the short shuttle and 6.79 in the three-cone dirll. Gordon’s times were 4.40 and 7.56 respectively.) (5-4-15):   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/ohara/article-1/OHARAS-MONDAY-COUNTDOWN-Filling-needs-the-2015-Draft-theme/035683f6-a9c2-4bc2-afd3-e00a349335b2 

Detroit Lions 2nd round RB Ameer Abdullah forced 66 missed tackles in 2014, 3rd most of all players from 2015 draft class (5-4-15):  https://twitter.com/PFF/status/595253725695971328

TWENTYMAN: Rapid Reaction to 2015 NFL Draft (Abdullah vs. Tevin Coleman: The Lions liked both players in the second round, but in the end Abdullah offered more intangibles, versatility and he isn’t coming off surgery. When players are graded very similarly, sometimes those factors can tip the scales in one direction.) (5-4-15):   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/TWENTYMAN-Rapid-Reaction-to-2015-NFL-Draft/1ed5833b-2fa5-4f23-94d0-85f21059f6b7

Mayhew tweaked strategy, addressed Lions' needs in NFL Draft ((5-4-15):   http://www.foxsports.com/detroit/story/mayhew-tweaked-strategy-addressed-lions-needs-in-nfl-draft-050415

Lions' Abdullah followed path of successful siblings (5-3-15):   http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/05/02/lions-abdullah-followed-path-of-successful-siblings/26778261/ 

Saturday 5-2-15:

Articles:

Out to prove there's only one Ameer Abdullah:   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/ohara/article-1/Out-to-prove-theres-only-one-Ameer-Abdullah/ab7b4ce1-c91f-4aa8-9527-af958d210e0c

A closer look: Running back Ameer Abdullah:   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/article-1/A-closer-look-Running-back-Ameer-Abdullah/0b6b6105-5fb0-4e9a-8d77-2e075f8317e0

Detroit Lions Draft Ameer Abdullah: Social reaction:   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/article-1/Detroit-Lions-Draft-Ameer-Abdullah-Social-reaction/7f269fd8-6a9c-4a4a-ae12-a03d0b12da61

Lions select RB Ameer Abdullah in 2nd round of NFL draft:   http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/05/01/detroit-lions-nfl-draft-ameer-abdullah/26744651/

2nd-rounder Ameer Abdullah felt destined to join Lions:   http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/05/01/detroit-lions-nfl-draft-ameer-abdullah/26744651/

Lions hope to make most of Abdullah's versatility:   http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/05/01/lions-hope-make-abdullahs-versatility/26758065/

Detroit Lions love leadership, background of Ameer Abdullah:   http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20150502/detroit-lions-love-leadership-background-of-ameer-abdullah

Pat Caputo - Ameer Abdullah could make or break 2015 NFL Draft for Detroit Lions:   http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20150502/pat-caputo-ameer-abdullah-could-make-or-break-2015-nfl-draft-for-detroit-lions

Detroit Lions add to run game, draft Ameer Abdullah in second round:   http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20150501/detroit-lions-add-to-run-game-draft-ameer-abdullah-in-second-round

With First Two Picks, Lions Make Clear Their Intention Of Improving Run Game:   http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2015/05/01/with-first-two-picks-lions-make-clear-their-intention-of-improving-run-game/

Ameer Abdullah talks about being picked by Lions:   http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2015/5/2/8534701/2015-nfl-draft-ameer-abdullah-lions-pick

Lions focus on running game in first two days of NFL draft:   http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/16903/the-detroit-lions-try-to-solidify-their-running-game-in-first-two-days-of-the-draft 

Video:

Ameer Abdullah Introductory Press Conference:   http://www.detroitlions.com/media-center/videos/Ameer-Abdullah-introductory-press-conference/77aa5ad8-89b2-418c-9457-04b1c6eb3a86 

Mayhew, Caldwell On Ameer Abdullah:   http://www.detroitlions.com/media-center/videos/Mayhew-Caldwell-on-Ameer-Abdullah/23d2465f-2c32-43e8-9c59-46a9b3af21bb  

Friday 5-1-15:

Audio - Ameer Abdullah conference call:   http://www.detroitlions.com/media-center/audio/Ameer-Abdullah-conference-call/06bdbfbb-32c4-49e5-b135-70823dd0249c

Detroit Lions draft running back Ameer Abdullah:   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/Detroit-Lions-draft-running-back-Ameer-Abdullah/79fb3df1-7e61-4bc2-88be-e7e8df08803d

Lions grab Nebraska RB Ameer Abdullah:   http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/05/01/lions-grab-nebraska-rb-ameer-abdullah/26745693/

Detroit Lions will use Ameer Abdullah on returns; not concerned with fumble issues:   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/05/detroit_lions_will_use_ameer_a.html

Ameer Abdullah's fumble issues a concern, but Mel Kiper sees some Darren Sproles in new Lions RB:   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/05/ameer_abdullahs_fumble_issues.html

Get to know Ameer Abdullah: Detroit Lions' pick 'failure' of family, dedicated to his Islamic faith:   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/05/get_to_know_ameer_abdullah_det_1.html

Total breakdown: Lions draft RB Ameer Abdullah in second round:   http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/16888/total-breakdown-lions-draft-rb-ameer-abdullah-in-second-round

Ameer Abdullah is #21 in Bucky Brooks' red chip prospect list:   www.nfl.com/draft/story/0ap3000000488272/article/2015-nfl-draft-tiers-elite-prospects-blue-chips-and-red-chips

Replacing Reggie? Lions take Abdullah:   http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000490066/article/detroit-lions-select-running-back-ameer-abdullah

ESPN Draft Tracker (54. Ameer Abdullah: What he brings: Abdullah isn't a power back but plays much bigger than his size. He runs angry. He is also the best back in this class at getting in and out of creases. Some backs have elite agility but can't sense holes opening up in time, while others have the instincts but not the quickness to take advantage of it. Abdullah has a rare combination of both. He's a good pass-catcher, but needs to improve his ball security. How he fits: The Lions released Reggie Bush. Theo Riddick could play a bigger role in the passing game with Bush moving, but he's a better receiver than runner. Joique Bell has had problems staying healthy, and he's averaged fewer than 4 yards per carry the past two seasons, so this was a pressing need. In addition, Abdullah is the top back on our board at this point, and he's a good fit for offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi's zone-heavy scheme. Still, this is a bit of a risky pick considering Abdullah isn't built like a bell cow, he's been banged up in the past and the Lions might need him to carry a heavy workload.):    http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/rounds/_/round/2/year/2015

SI Draft Tracker (Ameer Abdullah: Reggie Bush will be working out of San Francisco's backfield this season. To replace him as a home-run hitting Joique Bell complement, the Lions selected Nebraska's Ameer Abdullah at No. 54. Abdullah is a shifty, dangerous threat in the open field—he can find a hole and get to the second or third level as if he's shot out of a cannon. Abdullah actually should take on more responsibilities than a banged-up Bush was able to last season. Even though Abdullah may be pegged as a passing-down threat initially, he has the skill to be trusted with a steady workload on the ground.):   http://www.si.com/nfl/draft-2015?round=2

SI Draft Analysis (Ameer Abdullah: Strengths - Outstanding speed, acceleration and body lean--transitions smoothly to the second and third levels. Runs low and forward to pick up extra yards between the tackles. Patient when waiting for blocks to open gaps, and moves to the edge quickly and efficiently. Team leader who works very hard and has an obvious desire to improve. Runs very decisively to and through the gap, and has the vision to take advantage of quick-opening opportunities. Not blessed with great escapability, but has good lateral agility and fights to create openings as he runs downfield. Weaknesses - As expected from a player his size, Abdullah struggles in power situations. Not a sustaining back when dealing with bigger defenders, and has issues keeping his body straight when blocking. Won't be able to put on much more weight. Needs to develop a wider array of routes, and more accuracy when running them. Fumbled 13 times at Nebraska. Best suited to a zone scheme at the next level--could struggle with power/counter/trap schemes that require more power and patience.):   http://www.si.com/nfl/draft-2015/analysis/590796

PFF's (Ameer Abdullah, RB, Nebraska: What He Brings: Great vision and extremely quick in and out of his cuts. More powerful than he looks and with three down back upside. Does need to get much better in pass pro where he had the fifth lowest grade against the Power-5. Still did earn a better grade for his rushing than TJ Yeldon and was third overall in the class from a production point of view. Where He Fits: Take what Reggie Bush did (was meant to do) and fit Abdullah into that role. He’s going to be the lightening to the thunder of Joique Bell.):  https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2015/05/01/2015-draft-reaction-blog-round-2/

Yahoo Draft Tracker (Ameer Abdullah:  Like Reggie Bush, Abdullah is a shifty slasher who does his best work in space, but he also is tough and strong. There are worries about his fumbling and how he might hold up physically over the course of a season.):  http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/draft/

CBS Draft Tracker (54. RB Ameer Abdullah: I like other backs in this spot more. He's good, has some explosiveness, but didn't they want to get a more physical back?):   http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/drafttracker

Foxsports Draft Tracker (Jim Caldwell just added an explosive, home run hitter in Abdullah. Get him the ball and some space and magic can happen.):   http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/draft?season=2015

USA Today Draft Tracker (Ameer Abdullah: He’s had issues with fumbles, but Abdullah was a very productive player at Nebraska with consecutive 1,600-yard seasons. He should immediately assume the role vacated by Reggie Bush and serve as a capable wingman to veteran Joique Bell, who could resume his third-down role.):   http://sportswire.usatoday.com/2015/05/01/2015-nfl-draft-tracker-friday-second-third-round/ 

SN Draft Tracker (54. RB Ameer Abdullah: The Lions had running back as a position they would address after releasing Reggie Bush. He's a good complement to Joique Bell because of his versatility, outside pop and receiving ability.):   http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl-draft/2015/draft-order?round=2

NFL Draft 2015: Round 2, Picks 17-32 (54. Abdullah (Second Big Ten back chosen in 2015. With Reggie Bush gone, the Lions needed depth in their backfield."):   http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/nfl-draft-2015-round-2-picks-17-32/