Ameer Abdullah: 2015 NFL Draft Scouting Report
Nebraska running back Ameer Abdullah has been one of the most consistent, explosive playmakers over the past three seasons for the Cornhuskers. He is widely considered one of the top running back prospects in this year’s draft, and is likely Day-2 selection in the 2015 NFL Draft.
Here is a scouting report that details what traits Abdullah will bring to the team that selects him in the draft.
More from NFL Draft
- Packers’ Lukas Van Ness will make a Lambeau leap into the NFL in 2023
- 2024 NFL Draft: Hunter Haas’ Top 50 Big Board
- NFL preseason Week 3: Notre Dame’s Mayer, Foskey with something to prove
- NFL Draft Notebook: Bo Nix is the third-best quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft
- Mac Jones ‘a pretty flexible guy’; Patriots QB earning kind words from Belichick
STRENGTHS
Abdullah measured in at only 5’8″ at the Senior Bowl, but packed an impressive 198 pounds on his short frame. His underrated power allows him to bounce off of contact, rarely being brought down by the first initial tackle attempt. Abdullah displays phenomenal acceleration and burst as he is often able to quickly run away from pursuing defenders.
Abdullah also displays elite vision as he consistently finds and exploits open holes that the offensive line makes for him. While Abdullah is a smaller running back, he doesn’t try to force the occasion and bounce plays outside. He is a downhill, north-south runner who uses his exceptional cutting ability to make defenders miss in the hole and get down the field without losing speed.
He is one of the most competitive running backs in this class, diving and clawing for every last inch he can get on most of his runs. He also shown the ability to be a capable receiver on third down, amassing 73 catches for 690 yards and 7 touchdowns in his career at Nebraska.
WEAKNESSES
While Abdullah possesses good speed, he lacks elite speed, reminiscent of Knowshon Moreno in his Georgia days. He won’t be known as a guy who’s a threat to take it the distance every time he touches the ball.
His frame won’t allow him to carry a full NFL workload. Abdullah already has an alarming 993 touches in college so his future durability will be a question mark for him going forward in the draft process. He could also stand to improve his pass protection as he was often bullied by blitzing linebackers and defensive lineman in the passing game.
DRAFT STOCK
Ameer Abdullah was considered to be a low second round/high third round draft choice before he boosted his stock with a nice Senior Bowl game, taking home the Most Valuable Player award. Look for Abdullah to go in the middle of the second round.
PLAYER COMPARISON
Giovani Bernard, Cincinnati Bengals