RB Ameer Abdulla is currently projected to be taken in the 2nd round of the NFL draft.
The Nebraska Cornhuskers have turned out some great talent in the recent years. Currently, there are 26 Cornhusker alumni on NFL Rosters. Some of the biggest names on this list include Prince Amukamara (New York Giants), Ndamukong Suh (Miami Dolphins), Rex Burkhead (Cincinnati Bengals), Roy Helu Jr. (Oakland Raiders), and Lavonte David (Tampa Bay Buccaneers). This year’s Nebraska draft class includes some great early high profile talent as well as a few late round prospects. Randy Gregory and Ameer Abdullah are definitely difference makers while Kenny Bell is a later round value draft pick.
Randy Gregory (OLB): 4.64 – 40 Yard Dash / 36.5 Vertical Jump / 125.0 Broad Jump
Gregory is an amazing talent with an impressive ability to rush the passer. His time with Nebraska was held to only a short two seasons before he declared for the NFL Draft. He had impressive numbers as a pass rusher during his limited time in Nebraska. He is currently 9th on the Nebraska University career sack list.
No one has seen their draft stock fall more than Gregory has since the combine. With a less than perfect off the field record, he might be looked at as a risk for not being on the field. However, his abilities and skills will ensure he is drafted in the 1st round. NFL.com – Full Mock Draft puts Gregory at number 13 overall to the New Orleans Saints.
Ameer Abdullah (RB): 4.60 – 40 Yard Dash / 42.5 Vertical Jump / 130 Broad Jump
Abdullah is an all-around back and has the best pass catching ability for a RB in the draft. Not only does he bring solid RB skills to the table, he is also a proven special teams talent. During his first two seasons he was a consistent punt and kick returner.
Abdullah totaled an impressive 1,611 rushing yards on 264 attempts last season, adding in 19 TDs. Along with solid rushing yards, he tallied up 269 receiving yards on 29 receptions, with 3 of those being touchdowns. He also set a school record for single-game all-purpose yardage last season against Rutgers. Abdullah racked up 341 all-purpose yards; 225 rushing yards, 26 receiving yards, and 90 kickoff return yards.
Due to his lack of size compared to the typical NFL three down back, look for Abdullah to fly off the draft board in the mid-to-late 2nd round. NFL.com – Full Mock Draft puts Abdullah at number 88 overall to the Detroit Lions.
Kenny Bell (WR) 4.42 – 40 Yard Dash / 41.5 Vertical Jump / 129.0 Broad Jump
Bell is a lanky receiver with great hands and a strong work ethic. He ran an impressive 4.42 40-yard dash and has the ability to get behind opposing defenses. He rarely loses a jump ball and can high point the ball with the best of them.
Bell’s career stats at NE are not elite, but still are very impressive. He accumulated 181 receptions, 2,689 receiving yards, and 21 touchdowns. Bell also brings explosiveness in the return game.
His route tree needs to be developed and he may need to add some weight. Torrey Smith comes to mind as a comparable for Kenny Bell. He is not flying up draft boards yet which means whoever gets him will get a bargain. NFL.com – Full Mock Draft puts Bell at number 155 overall to the Buffalo Bills.
Undrafted Free Agents
- Jake Cotton
- Corey Cooper
*Bold Measurable equals among top draft performance
Matthew Ishmael is a correspondent for FantasyPros. You can read more from him at his archive or follow him @Ziff05.
