I. Abanikanda  |  Pittsburgh 5’10” 216 lbs.  |  10/05/2002 (20)

Israel Abanikanda was drafted by the New York Jets, becoming the ninth Running Back and 143rd overall player in the 2023 NFL Draft.

COLLEGE PRODUCTION

A former New York State Player of the Year and two-time gold medalist in the 100-meter dash in high school, Abanikanda joined the Pittsburgh Panthers as a three-star recruit. After not seeing the field much during his Freshman season and being overshadowed by Kenny Pickett and Jordan Addison during his Sophomore season, Abanikanda BROKE OUT in 2022 as a Junior! He finished 14th in the nation with 1,431 rushing yards, but his 20 rushing touchdowns were tied for first! In Week 6 alone, he carried the ball 36 times for 320 yards and six touchdowns against Virginia Tech! It’s the biggest rushing stat line in Pittsburgh’s school history. 

FILM 

STRENGTHS

Has instant acceleration, as he often surges into open space and creates separation in the open field. Compact frame with great mass, which gives him an advantage in contact situations. Impressive escapability, as he sheds through a ton of arm tackles and locates open lanes. Hard to track down in the open field with his exceptional breakaway speed. One of the more, if not the, most athletic running backs in this draft class. His production background is off the charts. Ran for over 100 yards in nine of his 11 games played in 2022. Also showcases great hands out of the backfield. 

WEAKNESSES 

Can be a bit slow when changing directions during his run path. Although he’s fast, he sometimes plays too fast and fails to let block schemes develop in front of him. Sometimes fails to finish his runs, which is disappointing given his size and frame. Needs to improve his vision, as some of his run lane choices were questionable. Fails to bounce outside when the opportunity is clearly there. Needs to be more detailed with his routes as a receiver out of the backfield. Not a great pass-protector. 

ATHLETIC TESTING

Abanikanda measures in at 5’10” and 216 lbs., which equates to a BMI of 31. He ran an exceptional 4.44 40-yard dash, equating to a 111.2-speed score. Both figures landed him in the 90th percentile or higher. Abanikanda also displayed a 133.7 burst score (97th percentile) and a college dominator score of 46.5 percent (97th percentile). 

Abanikanda shows elite speed and athleticism. At his Pittsburgh Pro Day, he showcased elite leaping abilities with a 41.5” vertical and a 128” broad jump. Both of these would’ve landed him first among running backs at the NFL Combine. Given these numbers, it’s safe to say he’s the most athletic running back in this draft class! Athletically, he doesn’t have any red flags. 

DRAFT ANALYSIS 

Rapid Reaction to Draft Capital: Great

Rapid Reaction to Landing Spot: Average

Abanikanda was selected with the 143rd overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft by the Jets. 

Led by the second-year pro back, Breece Hall, New York welcomes Abanikanda to compete for the backup role behind him. He’ll have plenty of competition, as the Jets have received positive flashes from both Michael Carter and Zonovan Knight. Aaron Rodgers has plenty of youth surrounding him on this new-look Jets offense. 

FANTASY INSIGHTS

This is not a bad landing spot for those of you that want to target Abanikanda in your drafts. A second-round selection may be a stretch, but he’s worth a shot somewhere in the third rounds. He could carve out a solid backup role for this Jets team. Realistically, he’d be a great candidate to start out on your taxi squads if you don’t have the space for him. 

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