Oct 22, 2022; Louisville, Kentucky, USA; Louisville Cardinals linebacker Yasir Abdullah (22) tackles Pittsburgh Panthers running back Israel Abanikanda (2) during the second half at Cardinal Stadium. Louisville defeated Pittsburgh 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports
NFL teams looking to gain an edge on defense as the draft approaches might want to take the time to look long and hard at Yasir Abdullah out of Louisville. The outside linebacker has been a menace up front as opposing offenses struggle to keep him out of their backfield for several years now.
Name: Yasir Abduallah
College: Louisville
Position: Outside Linebacker/Edge
Number: 22
HT: 6′ 1”
Wt: 237
Arm Length: 32 3/8”
Hand Size: 9 1/4”
40 yard dash: 4.47
10 yard split: 1.56
Vertical Jump: 36.5”
Broad Jump: 10′ 9”
Games Watched: Pittsburgh, Florida State, NC State, Clemson, Virginia
We mentioned Abdullah as a possible combine sleeper a few weeks ago and the Miramar, Florida native did not disappoint. Given how explosive Abduallah looks on film, we anticipated strong showings in both broad and vertical jumps. Abdullah would rank first and fourth respectively. The linebacker’s 10′ 9” broad jump and 36.5” vertical opened plenty of eyes. His 4.47 40 was good enough for third overall in Indy.
So what does Abdullah do well? We mentioned his explosiveness, which allows him to generate more power than you might expect from a player his size. In fact, at 6′ 1” 237 pounds, Abdullah’s size is the number one thing his critics point to. But that doesn’t look to slow him down one bit on game day.
Combining his power with plus anticipation, Abdullah manages to make plays behind the line of scrimmage on a regular basis. Over his final two collegiate seasons, he picked up 31 tackles for loss and 19.5 sacks.
Abdullah also looked better in coverage than one might expect from an outside linebacker. In just 80 coverage snaps last season, Abdullah picked up two interceptions and four passes defensed. It was impressive work for an outside linebacker. By comparison, former pro bowl safety Jamal Adams played 380 snaps in coverage during his final season at LSU and managed just one interception.
As is the case with most players of Abdullah’s size, he may have a tough time getting off blocks once an offensive lineman latches on. But in today’s NFL with an increasing number of smaller ‘backers having an impact, this may not be as prohibitive a factor as it once was for NFL front offices.