Chad Abram scouting report

FB Chad Abram (Florida State) - Undrafted free agent

In the Detroit Lions' new offensive scheme, there is actually a role for a fullback. The Lions brought in Jed Collins to fill that role earlier in the offseason, but they also added undrafted free agent Chad Abram as additional depth at the position.

Measurables

Height: 6-foot-0 | Weight: 236 pounds

Stats

2010: 0 carries
2011: 2 carries, 5 yards
2012: 4 carries, 20 yards
2013: 7 carries, 29 yards, 9 catches, 73 yards, 3 TD

Random fact

Abram began his career at Florida State as a safety before switching to fullback as a sophomore.

What the experts are saying

Draft Insider:

Positive: Occasional starting fullback who also played special teams at Florida State. Carried the ball seven times for 29 yards as a senior. Strong, straight-ahead lead blocker with marginal size. Explosive at the point, plays with an aggressive style, and turns defenders off the ball run blocking or anchors in pass protection. Shows the agility necessary to turn the corner.

Negative: Displays limited quickness and speed. Lacks great lead blocker strength. Marginal offensive threat.

Detroit Lions Draft:

Abram gives the Lions a second option at fullback behind Jed Collins. He’s an explosive athlete who went to Florida State as a safety. He embraced the change, even adopting the old-school neck roll to augment his thumping style. Abram is a punishing lead blocker who stays engaged and did a decent job picking up pass rushers coming at Jameis Winston. He could make the roster if he thrives on special teams, but making the practice squad is a more realistic goal.

Videos

Outlook for 2014

Jed Collins is Abram's only real competition for a spot on the 53-man roster right now. Collins is a veteran and knows the new scheme quite well considering he was in New Orleans with Lions offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi, but it's possible that Abram could beat him out with a strong summer at fullback and on special teams. At the very least, Abram figures to be a strong candidate for the practice squad.

Previous scouting reports

Draft picks: TE Eric Ebron, OLB Kyle Van Noy, C Travis Swanson, CB Nevin Lawson, DE Larry Webster, DT Caraun Reid, WR TJ Jones, K Nate Freese

UDFAs: QB James Franklin