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One Year Benchmarks: Grading the 2015 Detroit Lions Draft Class

By Eric Ranes

Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Laken Tomlinson (Duke) is selected as the number twenty-eight overall pick to the Detroit Lions in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Laken Tomlinson (Duke) is selected as the number twenty-eight overall pick to the Detroit Lions in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /
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Round 2 – Pick No. 22 (54 ovr) – RB Ameer Abdullah (Nebraska) B-

Dec 3, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions running back Ameer Abdullah (21) runs the ball as Green Bay Packers strong safety Morgan Burnett (42) pursues during the first quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 3, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions running back Ameer Abdullah (21) runs the ball as Green Bay Packers strong safety Morgan Burnett (42) pursues during the first quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /

The explosive playmaker out of Nebraska showed promise in his rookie year, but also displayed his untimely ability to have the ball ripped from his hands. That was a major concern of note during his college career. His fumble issues early in the year directly contributed to a couple of losses and put him in the doghouse for a short stint.

As did the team, Abdullah recovered later in the year, showing the world-class burst that got him drafted in the 2nd round and lack of breakaway speed that kept him from being drafted higher. He also confirmed that he has sticky hands as a receiver out of the backfield which was a welcome sight in the post-Reggie Bush era.

That being said, Abdullah had a pretty decent year. Once the offensive line solidifies itself and Abdullah cleans up his fumbling issues, it is clear to me he can be a special player who can get the Lions down the field in mere heartbeats. He is fun to watch but the running back position is not one of great value and the number of effective players drafted after him prohibits his grade from being higher.

Pick grade: B-

Successful draft options in next 10 picks: Ali Marpet (G), Quinten Rollins (CB), Rob Havenstein (OT), Randy Gregory (DE/OLB, character concerns), Frank Clark (DE/OLB, character concerns)

Next: The Forgotten Man

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