What Ameer Abdullah's Strong Training Camp Means for Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions are trying their best to keep expectations in check regarding rookie running back Ameer Abdullah. But the man tasked with keeping opposing offenses under wraps isn't helping the cause.

When defensive coordinator Teryl Austin overheard running backs coach Curtis Modkins watching his words with Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, he couldn't hide his enthusiasm: "We can’t even tackle that guy. We can’t even touch him. He’s like grasping at air."

Every report that's hit the wire has sung the same tune, lifting preseason fantasy values to rounds that would make head coach Jim Caldwell shake his head.

"

14-tm home league auction tonight. Silver bullets to be crushed. Will spend ton on Ameer Abdullah. Make late-night pizza run. AM regrets ...

— Brad Evans (@YahooNoise) August 1, 2015"

But Caldwell has a demeanor closer to a fantasy baseball player. He probably doesn't care about Abdullah's projected draft placement, but he does care about his impact for the Lions. 

The Reggie Bush Role

Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports

Abdullah is the perfect fit for offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi's beloved stretch play. He has the patience and small-area burst to wait for the creases and blow through the line when they materialize.

Granted, Lombardi is switching to a more power-based scheme, but there's no way he'll be able to resist exploiting Abdullah's perfectly matched skills.

Reggie Bush was supposed to handle that role before injuries and possibly age caught up with him. While Abdullah doesn't boast the same top-end speed, he does have similar open-space elusiveness.

Plus, Abdullah adds an element that Bush couldn't match. There's a powerful edge to Abdullah's game that his predecessor lacked because he can run through tacklers in addition to dancing around them.

"

Ameer Abdullah scores an insane TD to win the game! https://t.co/m0HQ4LjoW8

— Kim Possible (@meeeeelissaaa) December 8, 2014"

The Vine included above also demonstrates his incredible balance. Abdullah isn't a power back, but he is a 203-pound bowling ball with a solid physique built in the weight room. And with starter Joique Bell's Achilles issues lingering into the preseason, he might need it to endure a heavy early workload.

With Some Theo Riddick Thrown In

It should be noted that the above play came courtesy of a pass. Lombardi is going to have one of those "good problems" when it comes to splitting up the targets between Bell, Abdullah and Theo Riddick.

"

For the fantasy crew: Mayhew on Ameer Abdullah: "He's really an outstanding talent." Said AA will play bigger role than thought in pass game

— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) August 4, 2015"

Detroit relies heavily on its running backs. Optimistic Eric Ebron reports and Joseph Fauria's health should take a few tosses away from the backfield, but its usage rate, per Pro Football Focus, shouldn't abate too much considering the talent:

"

No team leaned more heavily on RB in the pass game in '14 than the @Lions, 28.3% of all targeted passes went to RB's pic.twitter.com/mwzOIiXhYI

— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) June 29, 2015"

Lombardi will have plenty of options to get creative with this three-headed backfield. Plays that include two or maybe even three backs—with one in the slot—could be implemented a few times a game to put stress on opposing linebackers.

And Abdullah's biggest weakness—pass protection—hasn't bit him early, according to Birkett, who thought the rookie performed well in this facet. Abdullah, for his part, credited the coaches with making everything "clear cut," which "helps [him] make quicker decisions and be in position to strike [his] defender as effectively as possible."

Lastly, Riddick might have to fight Abdullah off for his two-minute drill snaps if the latter continues to impress his coaches with his sure hands. Considering Abdullah didn't drop a pass during his last two years at Nebraska, we shouldn't be surprised.

Things look to be coming together for Abdullah. Should his production measure up anywhere near the hype, the Lions will have nailed two of their last three second-round choices.

Brandon Alisoglu is a Detroit Lions Featured Columnist who has written about the Lions on multiple sites. He also co-hosts a Lions-centric podcast, Lions Central Radio. Yell at him on Twitter about how wrong he is @BrandonAlisoglu.