NFL Draft: Who Takes Ameer Abdullah, Tevin Coleman, Others?
By Joe Wedra
As Day Two of the 2015 NFL Draft approaches, the spotlight will be shining bright on running backs like Ameer Abdullah, Tevin Coleman and Jay Ajayi.
There’s plenty of need at the top of the second round — how long will these guys last once the Tennessee Titans hit the clock at 7 p.m. ET?
Ameer Abdullah
Ranked by many analysts as the third best running back in this class behind Melvin Gordon and Todd Gurley, Abdullah should go very quickly once things kick off tonight.
Early on in the second round, you have to look for the obvious fits at the top. Assuming Abdullah does go first, the Jacksonville Jaguars could be in play for a shiny new toy on the offensive side of the ball.
If Jacksonville passes, it’s anyone’s game. The Jets at 37 and Giants and 40 are ones to watch as well.
Tevin Coleman
Don’t expect the speedster from Indiana to be around much longer than early in the second round tonight, either. With teams that have a need in the backfield all around the middle of the second, “Coleman Watch” might begin starting with the Giants at 40. If they pass, watch for the Atlanta Falcons at 42.
Assuming Coleman does slip a bit, there’s plenty of need in the back end of the round. For the kid that has NFL-level jets, being picked tonight should be no problem.
Jay Ajayi
Ajayi improved greatly during the 2014 season, rising his stock to the point where he should be taken tonight. At Boise State, he established himself as not only a big, physical bruiser, but a force in the open field when given the opportunities to show off his underrated speed.
It might take a wait until the third round, but Ajayi should know where he’ll end up by the end of the night.
Duke Johnson
Despite a good amount of hype leading up to the Draft, Johnson should go right where he belongs in the 3rd round. An impressive back with good playmaking ability, the former Miami standout earned his spot among the Draft’s best.
If Jacksonville doesn’t go with Abdullah in the second, don’t be shocked to see them take Johnson in the third.
Other Backs To Watch
- T.J. Yeldon, Alabama
- Jeremy Langford, Michigan State
- Cameron Artis-Payne, Auburn
- David Johnson, Northern Iowa
- David Cobb, Minnesota
- Josh Robinson, Mississippi State