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2015 NFL Rookie Predictions: Ameer Abdullah demands your attention

Poked, prodded, pricked -- pro prospects have been thoroughly examined by franchises leading up to this month's NFL Draft. However, fantasy owners are just now dissecting their Year 1 potential. Over the next several weeks, we'll attempt to channel our inner Mayock determining whether Rookie X will be fantasy flame or lame material this fall. Wednesday's profile: Nebraska running back Ameer Abdullah.

College Highlights: The second-team All-America and Doak Walker finalist had a splendid run in his four years with the Cornhuskers. He's the only player in school history to rush for three-consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. Over his collegiate career, he amassed 4,588 rushing yards, second only to Mike Rozier all-time at Nebraska. His 174.8 all-purpose yards per game was the fourth-highest in college football last year. He also found the end zone 22 times in 13 games. Over his 813 career carries, he netted a sensational 5.64 yards per carry. No dummy, the history major was academic All-Big Ten in 2013 and 2014.

Pluses: Attempting to tackle Abdullah is trying to wrangle a ghost. His ankle-breaking cuts, balance, patience, vision and burst make him highly elusive. Gets downhill quickly and finishes runs strong. Chooses to attack aggressively. Instead of running side-to-side in an attempt to hit home runs he seeks out cutback lanes and creases to maximize the most of what defenses give him. Accomplished receiver who hauled in 73 passes in four seasons with the 'Huskers. Shifty in space. Great pad level strong 'power' indicator despite underwhelming size (5-foot-9, 205 pounds). Burrows in short-yardage. High character player with superb leadership qualities. Excelled in agility tests at the Combine leading all RBs in the three-cone, 20-yard/60-yard shuttles, broad jump and vertical jump.

Minuses: Abdullah isn't a burner by any stretch. He clocked a 4.60 40-yard dash at the Combine, but did follow up with a 4.53 at Nebraska's pro day. His smallish build likely means he's destined for a tandem backfield. Pass pro is average at best. Must show competency in that area immediately if he wants to earn noteworthy touches in 2015. Plagued by occasional butter hands. Coughed it up an unacceptable 13 times in four years in Lincoln.

Pro Comp(s): Justin Forsett, Andre Ellington, Giovani Bernard, Pierre Thomas, Ahmad Bradshaw

Team Fits: Baltimore, Arizona, Dallas, Minnesota, Jacksonville

Projected ADP/Auction Value ($200 cap): 125-135 (RB38)/$8-$12

Fearless Forecast: Todd Gurley and Melvin Gordon have, understandably, received more pub than Abdullah, but the firefly is a fantastic talent who could prove instantly useful in PPR settings. His eagle eyes and cutting skills are perfect fits for a zone-blocking scheme. However, unless he blasts oncoming rushers in training camp, he could be nothing more than a role player initially. Still, there's enormous potential for him, pending landing spot. His work ethic and unique on-field contributions will be viewed appreciably in war rooms. If he shines in camp, it's no stretch to think he registers 40-plus catches for 900-1100 combined yards and a handful of scores this fall. Label him an upside bench back in 12-team leagues.

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