2015 NFL Draft Profile: Ameer Abdullah, RB Nebraska

Nebraska running back Ameer Abdullah is one of those kinds of players that just blows you away with their pure athletic ability. While you get to watch a lot of that on tape with him, he made the absolute most of his opportunity at the combine to impress everyone with his talent. He was a top performer in several categories, including vertical jump, broad jump, the cone drill and shuttle drills. Because of that, Abdullah has been getting extra attention lately from scouting websites and other experts.

However, some of his best traits weren’t on display on the combine. He’s an aggressive runner who isn’t afraid to make contact with defenders but would rather wait for the holes to develop from solid blocking. Once he finds a hole, he makes a quick decision and hits it fast and hard. He doesn’t like to do something that always bothers me as a fan, and that’s dance behind the line of scrimmage waiting for something that isn’t going to develop.

The major knock on Ameer Abdullah is his size. People seem worried that his physical style won’t allow him to hold up for a complete NFL season. He has also been criticized for his number of fumbles and struggles in pass protection. However he does show a willingness to protect, just struggles against bigger competition and has trouble recognizing where the pressure is coming from.

Jan 20, 2015; Mobile, AL, USA; North squad running back Ameer Abdullah of Nebraska (28) carries the football during North squad practice at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports

Combine Measurables:

Height: 5’9″
Weight: 205 pounds
Arm Length: 30″
Hand Size: 8 5/8″
40 Yard Dash: 4.60 seconds
Bench Press: 24 reps
Vertical Jump: 42.5″
Broad Jump: 130.0″
3 Cone Drill: 6.79 seconds
20 Yard Shuttle: 3.95 seconds
60 Yard Shuttle: 11.18 seconds

Draft Projection

Ameer Abdullah is the #48 overall prospect in the 2015 NFL Draft according to CBS Sports and is their #4 available running back. He’s projected to be a second round selection.

NFL Player Comparison

NFL.com: Andre Ellington, Arizona Cardinals
CBSSports.com: Ahmad Bradshaw, Indianapolis Colts

Fit For The Vikings

Minnesota isn’t currently needing a running back, but they might look to draft one if something happens between now and the draft involving superstar Adrian Peterson.

My Take

Since running back currently isn’t a need for the Vikings, I’ll have to re-evaluate everything if something happens before the draft. However, at the moment I can’t see the Vikings taking a running back with one of their top picks unless something really crazy happens. I like what I’ve seen from Ameer Abdullah, but can’t see the need he would currently fill for Minnesota.

Next: Top 10 Biggest Vikings Salaries For 2015

More from The Viking Age

Home/Minnesota Vikings Draft