We continue with our latest presentation of a running back who may be attractive for the suddenly running-back-needy Green Bay Packers.
Packers Prospect Profile: Ameer Abdullah, RB Nebraska
Player information: 5’ 9”, 205 lbs. Senior, University of Nebraska
Hometown: Homewood, Alabama
NFL Combine Stats
40 Yard Dash: 4.60 combine, 4.53 Seconds (Pro Day Results) 12th among running backs.
Vertical Jump: 42.5”, 1st among running backs.
Broad Jump: 130”, 1st among running backs.
225# Bench: 24, 7th among running backs.
Compares to pros: Andre Ellington, Ahmad Bradshaw
Projected Draft Position: Second or third round.
Strengths: Extremely high character. Was captain of his team and an Academic All-American at Nebraska. Patient runner with good vision and great burst. Can turn the corner and accelerates quickly to the next level. Good hands and a high effort player. An accomplished kickoff and punt returner adds value as an immediate rookie contributor.
Weaknesses: Smallish back with good build however he is unlikely to be able to carry much more weight. A below-average pass blocker. His 13 fumbles in four years will not be tolerated in the NFL. Not a burner, but plenty fast enough.
Abdullah is the second leading rusher (4588 yards) in Nebraska history behind only the incomparable Mike Rozier (4780 Yards). A willing blocker but he will need refinement in that area which will come with NFL coaching. Abdullah averaged 6.1 yards per carry in 2014 for 1,611 yards with 19 touchdowns. He added 22 receptions for 269 yards and three touchdowns. He was named the MVP of the Senior Bowl.
What they are saying about him: “He has the highest overall character grade I’ve ever given to a prospect, and includes both football character and off-the-field. Aside from (Melvin) Gordon and (Todd) Gurley, I think he’s the third best running back in this draft.” — AFC North scout
What the Packers See: An accomplished back who would immediately upgrade a position of need. Ameer Abdullah is an athletic, tough and shifty change-of-pace runner. Abdullah also features a refined pass-catching ability and offers the option of being the primary punt and kickoff returner from day one. Finding a skilled return man prior to next season is a high priority for the Packers Special Teams to have any chance of success. Abdullah’s presence would also free starters Randall Cobb and DB Micah Hyde from return and punt duties respectively. With his skill set he should have a long and productive NFL career providing he stays healthy. His high character will surely be noticed by the Packers brain-trust and he appears to be an especially good fit in Green Bay.
——————Jeff Albrecht grew up just north of Green Bay and was lucky enough to attend some of the Lombardi Era classic games, like the 1962 championship and the Ice Bowl. Jeff went on to play HS football in the Green Bay area and College ball at UW - Stevens Point. Jeff is retired but still does some writing for his local paper. Jeff is a writer with AllGreenBayPackers.com and you can follow him on twitter at @pointerjeff .
——————
We all know TT doesn’t draft with special teams in mind earlier than the 6th. (Ryan Taylor comes to mind). We all wish he would do so occasionally, because our special teams, are, well, always REALLY special… but nope.
IMO this guy would be the DuJuan Harris role in the Eddie show (non-existent), and only provide help on KOR and PRs.
For the Packers it is called the special ed. teams… They ride the short bus to practice.
GBP’s first two picks in this draft have to be defense.
Why would we want to draft a guy who has a high odds chance of ‘turning the ball over’ and put him as a returner to boot?
A lot of fans absolutely love this prospect (apparently no one on this site though), to the point that they were sorry he did so well at the combine. I don’t think TT can afford to take him in the 2nd or 3rd rounds given our other needs, and I don’t think he will last to the 4th, or better, the 5th when we might be better able to spare a pick for him. Clear late 2nd or early 3rd rd. talent who is unlikely to be a GB packer.
Really liked the possibility of this guy in Green and Gold when it was looking like Cobb was heading for greener pastures (people forget that Cobb was a hybrid RB/WR at UK). He has a lot of Cobb-like qualities. Ball security is less of an issue when he’s not going to be getting it 25+ times per game. Now I see him as more of a redundant player with Cobb locked down. Hope he has a great career (preferably in the AFC), but pass.
If Ted drafts a RB in this draft…First he’s going to be physically more like Jonathan Franklin…and second he’s got to be available in the 4th round or later.