Israel Abanikanda NFL Draft Overview
Position: Running Back
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 216 pounds
School: Pittsburgh
2023 NFL Draft: Israel Abanikanda Scouting Report
Israel “Izzy” Abanikanda has officially foregone his senior season to declare for the 2023 NFL Draft. The lead back out of Pittsburgh the last two seasons, Abanikanda has created quite the name for himself in the ACC. Originally from Brooklyn, New York, Abanikanda committed to Pittsburgh as a three-star recruit. He did not see the field much as a freshman, but once he received more playing time as a sophomore he never looked back. He led the Panthers in scrimmage yards in both his sophomore and junior season and led the country in touchdowns as a junior.
In the Israel Abanikanda scouting report, he displays a pass-catching ability. As a sophomore operating in a split backfield, he recorded 24 catches for just under 200 yards. He still popped off the screen, recording eight touchdowns even with Jordan Addison taking most of the attention outside.
Abanikanda is not just a football star. He also is a two-time medalist in the 100-meter dash, and has great genes with his dad being a track start at Georgia Tech. That track speed carries over the football field, as he averaged six yards per carry this past season. His 1431 rushing yards finished top five in the ACC and given that he accumulated that in only 11 games it’s all the more impressive. He was named to the first team All-American and All-ACC teams in 2022. Additionally, he was the runner up for ACC player of the year.
Strengths
- Top end speed to leave defenders in the dust;
- Nose for the endzone, if he’s inside the five, he’s scoring;
- Understands situational running, will go for two yards if that’s all the team needs;
- Catches with his hands not his body;
- Impressive contact balance, uses his weight well;
- Experience returning kicks and punts;
- Looks like he hits the Mario Kart rainbow strip when running, elite burst at will;
- Broke out at an early age, turns 21 in October.
Weaknesses
- A mediocre at best pass blocker;
- Borderline robotic in movements, tight hips;
- Too quick to overrun blockers;
- Roller coaster of vision, sometimes excellent;
- Disappeared for games at a time. Coaching dispute or unknown injury?
- Lost vicious end to runs at times. Inconsistent finishing power.
NFL Comparison: Faster Priest Holmes
Team Fits: New Orleans Saints, Cincinnati Bengals, Los Angeles Chargers, Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Rams
Bottom Line on Israel Abanikanda
When coming into this film study, Abanikanda was further down my 2023 rankings than I care to admit. His pro day was Wednesday the 29th, and the initial reports are that he clocked a 4.31 unofficial 40. He followed that up with a casual 41-inch vertical, higher than any running back at the combine and higher than top wide receiver prospects this year. If you pair that with his contact balance, play speed, and nose for the endzone, one team is getting a heck of a running back. His kick return ability will solidify him on a roster for years to come, while his explosive running can really make a difference to any offense in the NFL. Izzy Abanikanda may have a hard name to pronounce, but announcers should start practicing because he could become a household name early in his career.
Israel Abanikanda Dynasty
As it stands now, Abanikanda is projected outside of the top two rounds of rookie drafts. He has the frame to be a three-down back, and the production profile to make spreadsheet nerds salivate. If he gets top 100 draft capital, I will happily be taking him anywhere and everywhere I can get my hands on him. His top-end speed is elite and he has contact balance that coaches cannot teach. Could be a late riser in the process to the early second round. Could be a steal in the third round if your league mates aren’t as tuned in.
Main Photo: Charles LeClaire – USA Today Sports
