Detroit Lions rookie running back Ameer Abdullah was a popular sleeper pick in countless fantasy football drafts this past year. The path to solid production seemed clear for him: incumbent starter Joique Bell was coming off a disappointing and injury plagued season and the Lions had invested in their offensive line during the offseason. How could Abdullah, an impressive talent at Nebraska, not seize this opportunity?
Unfortunately, things didn't go as planned and Abdullah failed to live up to the lofty expectations. But that doesn't mean you should give up all hope.
"Relative to the hype generated by an impressive preseason, Abdullah underwhelmed as a rookie," ESPN's Mike Clay wrote. "That, of course, is not to say that he played poorly. Detroit's second-round pick accrued 597 yards on 143 carries (a healthy 4.2 yards per carry). With Theo Riddick dominating on passing downs, Abdullah wasn't utilized as a receiver nearly as often as expected (35 targets). Riddick, Zach Zenner and possible Joique Bell will be back in 2016, which blocks Abdullah's path to a consistent workload. Of course, the 22-year-old is the team's top talent at the position and explosive enough to force his way into a larger role. Abdullah will be far from a safe investment, but he has the upside you want in a midround flier."
Bell will turn 30 this August and could become a cap casualty this offseason. If he doesn't return, Abdullah should be allocated the majority of his 112 total touches from 2015, though Riddick will remain a factor as a pass-catching back.
Detroit finished dead last in rushing yards per game (83.4), 26th in yards per carry (3.8), 24th in rushing touchdowns (7) and 30th in carries (354). If the Lions can even marginally improve those numbers, Abdullah may earn that roster spot in fantasy.
