Detroit Lions: What Ameer Abdullah Expects to Accomplish in 2015

For Ameer Abdullah, the Detroit Lions are his first opportunity to play in the NFL.

The 5-foot-9, 205-pound running back and 2nd round pick out of Nebraska, could easily boast that he will amass a large amount of yardage this season. He could brag that he will return the ball on kickoffs or punts for touchdowns. He could be cocky about anything involving his skills. But, he is doing none of these things. In fact, he stating that his main goal this season is to “contribute”

In an article with Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, he states his major goal this year is to contribute to the team no matter what level it’s on.

"“Offensively, I feel like I can go in there and I can help out the team, but if that’s not my calling for this year, definitely special teams. If that’s not my calling this year, I’m going to be the best scout player in the country.”"

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That speaks leaps and bounds about this guy’s character. He isn’t coming in touting that he will be one of the best running backs in the game. He plans on coming in and doing his job, whatever that may end up being. Personally, I feel he will start out returning kickoffs and punts, and be thrown in the rotation at running back with Joique Bell and Theo Riddick. He seems to show a good work ethic from what I have seen in reports from OTA’s, and is constantly working to better himself.

Feb 21, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers running back Ameer Abdullah runs with the ball in a drill during the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

One thing that hasn’t been mentioned much is his ability to catch the ball.

"One thing that you notice quickly is he can catch the ball. He catches it, knows what to do with it when he gets it in his hands, so he’s making good progress in that area. – Jim Caldwell"

In his final season at Nebraska in 2014, he only had 22 receptions, but Caldwell has noticed him during camp when it comes to receiving. If he can run solid routes, he could be a danger in both the passing and running games out of the backfield.

It’s too early to tell at this point, but from the sounds of it, he is a great fit for the Detroit Lions offense and special teams.

I, for one, am excited for the preseason so I can watch and see what this kid can do. He could very well turn into that every-down back that the Lions have needed for some time.

Next: Detroit Lions Rookie Camp: Ameer Abdullah works on special teams

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