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The Detroit Lions believe they improved their running game by adding Ameer Abdullah from Nebraska with their second-round draft pick this year. It’s no question that the one area the Lions need to improve on offense is their running game. Abdullah had an impressive and productive college career, so the Lions are expecting big things from him this season.
Abdullah should be able to get plenty of opportunities to put up good numbers for the Lions. Detroit has one of the best passing attacks in the league, so opposing defenses will be concentrated on stopping the likes of Matthew Stafford, Calvin Johnson, Golden Tate and Eric Ebron. Initially, teams won’t be stacking eight men in the box to stop Abdullah, so he should be able to see some open running lanes.
The Lions also improved their offensive line by drafting Laken Tomlinson and trading for Manny Ramirez. A running back can only succeed if his offensive line is getting push, and the Lions took the appropriate measures this offseason to help ensure that their running backs would have every chance to succeed. Rebuilding and improving that offensive line will help Abdullah in his rookie season.
Abdullah easily had first-round talent in this year’s draft, but his smaller size dropped him down a few picks. But don’t let his 5-foot-9 height fool you; Abdullah excels in the zone running scheme and has above average burst. He has great vision and is decisive in the lanes he picks. It will be hard for opposing defenses to catch him once he clears the first level. His smaller height size could also be used as an advantage where defensive linemen won’t be able to see him in the backfield until it’s too late.
Abdullah will also help the Lions in the passing attack. He has above average catching skills for a running back and will be a dangerous threat for Stafford in the passing attack, either with screen passes or the check-down pass. His great vision will help make him a force to be reckoned with in the passing game.
Abdullah will be a critical player for the Lions to have a successful 2015 campaign. The Lions have been looking for a running back to help take the pressure of their passing attack and Abdullah has that chance. In his last season at Nebraska, Abdullah rushed for 1,611 rushing yards and gained 2,272 all-purpose yards, so he obviously can play football. He’s a player the Lions can get creative with and use him in a variety of ways to help them. If Abdullah is able to learn and adapt to the NFL game quickly and have success, the Lions will have one of the most complete and dangerous offenses in the NFL.
