Analyzing the Detroit Lions 2015 NFL Draft Selections

Day Two

Ameer Abdullah, Running Back, Nebraska

Dec 27, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers running back Ameer Abdullah (8) runs as USC Trojans defensive end Leonard Williams (94) defends during the fourth quarter in the 2014 Holiday Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

The Lions were 28th in the run game last season and everybody and their mothers wanted the Lions to draft a running back this year. The Lions didn’t get the popular options of Todd Gurley or Melvin Gordon, but what they got is petty dang close.

Nebraska running back Ameer Abdullah has always been a consistent running back for the Corn Huskers but in his senior year he knocked it out of the park. Rushing for 1,611 yards and 19 touchdowns on a phenomenal 6.1 yards per carry. He also put in the work to fix his fumbling issues by decreasing the amount of fumbles he had as his college career progressed.

To me, Abdullah is an upgraded version of Theo Riddick and a slightly better version of a young Reggie Bush rolled into one. Like Riddick, Abdullah can line up in the slot and take passes out of the back field. But he is a much better in between the tackles. Abdullah is dangerous in space like Reggie, but is far more concerned with getting the first down instead dancing around and trying to hit the home run every time.

Alex Carter, Cornerback, Stanford

Oct 18, 2014; Tempe, AZ, USA; Stanford Cardinal cornerback Alex Carter (25) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Sun Devil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

It’s hard not get excited about a guy that has all the tools that the best corner in the league has. As far as measurable’s go, Alex Carter and Richard Sherman are a lot alike.  Whether Carter can put it all together like Sherman has yet to be seen.

I like this pick here. The Lions had a need to fill at cornerback and went out and got great value for it. Now it’s time for the ageless wonder Rashean Mathis to train his eventual replacement. With Teryl Austin at the helm, Cater is in a perfect position to succeed.

Day Two Grade: B+

Next: Day Three