Ameer Abdullah?

[Gronky3000]

Though he's been a monumental flub so far with Detroit, he's only 24, has speed, catching ability, and in my mind seems like a pretty good fit for this offense, and I don't think we would have to give up much for him. What do you think?

Sure the Patriots got Jeremy Hill this offseason, and he can be a bruiser ala Blount, but I think an addition like Abdullah to pair with Burkhead, White, both of whom are great catching RB themselves would be a good investment. They could also use him on the kickoff returns.

http://rotoworld.com/player/nfl/10338/ameer-abdullah

[Dwight Schrute]

Rather draft an option late.

[sg14]

Originally Posted by Gronky3000

Though he's been a monumental flub so far with Detroit, he's only 24, has speed, catching ability, and in my mind seems like a pretty good fit for this offense, and I don't think we would have to give up much for him. What do you think?

Sure the Patriots got Jeremy Hill this offseason, and he can be a bruiser ala Blount, but I think an addition like Abdullah to pair with Burkhead, White, both of whom are great catching RB themselves would be a good investment. They could also use him on the kickoff returns.

http://rotoworld.com/player/nfl/10338/ameer-abdullah

I thought he had a high fumble rate coming out of college. Do you know how he has done in the pros?

[Gronky3000]

Originally Posted by sg14

I thought he had a high fumble rate coming out of college. Do you know how he has done in the pros?

He has the speed, talent to succeed in the NFL, but is SORELY underused. With 15-20 carries, and the chops in the receiving game, he could be a pro bowler if given the opportunity. He's young, needs a coach who properly utilizes his talent. Fumbling was an issue with Tiki Barber, but he fixed it. What I think he should do is get some tips from Tom Coughlin, or some other hard asses who believe in ball security. How do you think the man would fit in our offense?

[spacecrime]

We fans look at everybody as FAs or in the draft. I don't think BB does this. I red somewhere he said his draft board is like 125-150 players. The others are off the board.

Even if he fixed his fumbling he still can't pass block, so I just don't see BB having this guy on his radar to begin with.

(Now that I've said this, BB will likely sign the guy by noon, but I don't see the need for a guy who will be inactive anyway unless both White and Burkhead are injured.)

[motherlode]

Originally Posted by sg14

I thought he had a high fumble rate coming out of college. Do you know how he has done in the pros?

7 fumbles in 326 career carries in the pros

From his draft profile, bolds are mine

Strengths

Decisive runner with good lower-body drive and a willingness to run behind his pads. Finishes his runs. Has NFL-caliber burst and can hit top speed quickly. Defenses must respect his ability to turn the corner on play-side. Patient runner with plus vision. Willing to seek out cutback lanes. Rarely dances to the line or makes unnecessary lateral moves. Isn't a predictable runner. Lacks blazing top-end speed but plays fast. Highly competitive with a high football IQ. Hasn't dropped a pass in two years and can be a valuable weapon in passing attack. Will make arm tacklers pay and is better in short yardage than most backs his size. Can help immediately as a punt or kick returner. Personal and football character is considered off-the-charts by the scouting community.

Weaknesses

Lacks ideal size that teams look for from a three-down running back. Frame is close to maxed out. Doesn't always go through his pass routes at full speed. Smallish frame causes some issues in pass protection. Tenacity in protection needs to improve. Ball security is a legitimate concern with 13 fumbles over his four years at Nebraska.(Motherlode Edit: In Abdullah's defense he had nearly 900 touches in his career at Nebraska)

Sources Tell Us

"He has the highest overall character grade I've ever given to a prospect, and includes both football character and off-the-field. Aside from (Melvin) Gordon and (Todd) Gurley, I think he's the third best running back in this draft." -- AFC North scout


I started this post thinking it was going to be a thumbs down post, but after reading up, for the right price( cheap) he seems like a pretty good guy to take a chance on.

[Dwight Schrute]

Originally Posted by motherlode

7 fumbles in 326 career carries in the pros

From his draft profile, bolds are mine

Strengths

Decisive runner with good lower-body drive and a willingness to run behind his pads. Finishes his runs. Has NFL-caliber burst and can hit top speed quickly. Defenses must respect his ability to turn the corner on play-side. Patient runner with plus vision. Willing to seek out cutback lanes. Rarely dances to the line or makes unnecessary lateral moves. Isn't a predictable runner. Lacks blazing top-end speed but plays fast. Highly competitive with a high football IQ. Hasn't dropped a pass in two years and can be a valuable weapon in passing attack. Will make arm tacklers pay and is better in short yardage than most backs his size. Can help immediately as a punt or kick returner. Personal and football character is considered off-the-charts by the scouting community.

Weaknesses

Lacks ideal size that teams look for from a three-down running back. Frame is close to maxed out. Doesn't always go through his pass routes at full speed. Smallish frame causes some issues in pass protection. Tenacity in protection needs to improve. Ball security is a legitimate concern with 13 fumbles over his four years at Nebraska.(Motherlode Edit: In Abdullah's defense he had nearly 900 touches in his career at Nebraska)

Sources Tell Us

"He has the highest overall character grade I've ever given to a prospect, and includes both football character and off-the-field. Aside from (Melvin) Gordon and (Todd) Gurley, I think he's the third best running back in this draft." -- AFC North scout


I started this post thinking it was going to be a thumbs down post, but after reading up, for the right price( cheap) he seems like a pretty good guy to take a chance on.

My thoughts as well.

Inquire as to cost.

[sg14]

That fumble rate is too high for BB. He prefers 1/100 or better. I doubt the Pats have interest.

[mikiemo83]

I suggest the new coach uses him better than the old coach.