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On Friday night, the Detroit Lions drafted Nebraska running back Ameer Abdullah in the second round and Stanford cornerback Alex Carter in the third round. After making each pick, Lions general manager Martin Mayhew and head coach Jim Caldwell met with the media, and below is a recap of their comments.
Martin Mayhew
On Abdullah as a potential returner:
Martin Mayhew leads off by saying Ameer Abdullah will compete for kick/punt return jobs
— Kyle Meinke (@kmeinke) May 2, 2015
On why the Lions took Abdullah:
Martin Mayhew said Ameer Abdullah was the best player available. #DETpick
— Michael Rothstein (@mikerothstein) May 2, 2015
On Abdullah's fumble issues in college:
As for fumble concerns, Mayhew says Abdullah had only 3 last season and is improving
— Kyle Meinke (@kmeinke) May 2, 2015
Mayhew said Abdullah has shown improvement with fumbling. Thinks coaches can teach a guy to be more ball secure.
— Josh Katzenstein (@jkatzenstein) May 2, 2015
#Lions Martin Mayhew all these guys have areas they can improve in and Ameer Abdullah is no different.
— Paula Pasche (@paulapasche) May 2, 2015
On Abdullah's biggest attributes:
Mayhew on new Lions RB Ameer Abdullah: Outstanding running back, consistent performer, versatile guy.
— Josh Katzenstein (@jkatzenstein) May 2, 2015
On comparisons to Reggie Bush:
Mayhew comparing Abdullah to Bush: "I think they're game is somewhat similar. Both of them are guys that can function in space."
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) May 2, 2015
On his familiarity with Carter's father:
Martin Mayhew has known Alex Carter's dad, Tom, for 20 years. Carter replaced Mayhew in Washington's starting lineup
— Kyle Meinke (@kmeinke) May 2, 2015
On Carter's biggest attributes:
Mayhew: Likes ability to play run and shed blocks.
— Carlos Monarrez (@cmonarrez) May 2, 2015
Mayhew on new #Lions CB Alex Carter: "We like what's there as far as the raw material to improve and he's going to be an outstanding player"
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) May 2, 2015
On if Carter could play safety in the NFL:
Mayhew: "I think he has some ability at safety, but he's definitely going to play corner for us when he gets here."
— Carlos Monarrez (@cmonarrez) May 2, 2015
Jim Caldwell
On what the Lions are getting in Abdullah:
Lions coach Jim Caldwell on Ameer Abdullah: "He’s a guy that knows what he’s doing when he gets the ball in his hands."
— Josh Katzenstein (@jkatzenstein) May 2, 2015
On where Carter will play at cornerback:
Caldwell said Carter will play on the outside at CB
— Tim Twentyman (@ttwentyman) May 2, 2015