Ameer Abdullah
Nebraska, RB
Height: 5.9
Weight: 195
Age: 22
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Athleticism: B+
Undersized but very athletically talented runningback. Very good playing speed with more than one gear. Lacks game-breaking speed and a homerun gear, but picks up yardage in chunks nevertheless. Has shifty and flexible hips and is capable of sticking his foot in the ground and cutting on a dime. Shows very good burst and fluidity as a kick returner and a receiver. Stood out during Senior Bowl week. (Ball security is a major concern, carrying the ball away from his frame at times and having fumbled several handoffs.)
Inside Run: D
Size is a hindrance running between the tackles and does not have the power to grind out yards inside. Frequently takes a false step out of his stance which slows his ability to hit the hole on inside runs. Lowers his shoulders into contact and drives his legs through contact, but doesn’t have the power to break tackles head-on. Can chug through contact against his lower body, but can be pulled down by the back of his jersey and can be knocked off balance by shoulder bombs.
Outside Run: A
Is very quick getting to the perimeter and shows very good burst out of his stance when running outside of the tackle box. Shows good balance and footwork to sift through trash and avoid direct hits. Will cut back once he reaches the sideline and will not duck out of bounds. A lot of his yards were blocked for him, but shows very good vision to find holes and squeeze through tight spaces.
Blocking: D
Effort as a blocker is marginal. Was not asked to pass block very often and often looked to do the bare minimum before getting into his route from out of the backfield. Discarded with ease and doesn’t mirror or anchor particularly well. Ineffective cut blocker and inconsistent desire as a run blocker.
Receiving: B+
A weapon in the passing game out of the backfield and lined up in the slot. Fast and fluid in his routes and shifty in space after the catch. Has a small catch radius but shows the ability to pluck the ball from outside of his frame, even above his head.
Red Flags: Size
Bottom Line: An ideal fit for a team that runs a lot of zone blocking plays, Ameer Abdullah has the potential to be a high end complementary speed back. While his size, lack of ball security, and inability to get tough yards inside is limiting, Abdullah is a talented runner on the outside and on special teams. Abdullah reportedly has outstanding football and personal character and could interview his way into a second round selection.
Comparison: David Wilson
Grade: 8.3 (3rd Round)
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