The 2023 NFL Draft will be a great event for teams to start building for their future. Here is the Israel Abanikanda 2023 NFL Draft Profile.
Position: Running Back
School: Pittsburgh
Size: 5-foot-10, 216 pounds
Class: Junior
2022 Stats: 239 carries, 1,431 rushing yards, 20 rushing touchdowns, 6.0 yards per rush, 12 receptions, 146 receiving yards, 1 touchdown reception
Over his three seasons in college, Abanikanda showed great improvement. Now he is in the 2023 NFL Draft.
As a three-star prospect out of New York, Abanikanda joined Pittsburgh in the class of 2020. He rushed for just 94 yards and one touchdown as a true freshman. His role increased in 2021, as he had 651 rushing yards, 197 receiving yards and eight total touchdowns. His play helped the Panthers go 11-3 and make the Peach Bowl. For the 2022 season, Abanikanda had 1,431 rushing yards, 146 receiving yards and 21 total touchdowns. He led the Panthers to an 8-4 regular season record.
After opting out of the Sun Bowl, Abanikanda declared for the 2023 NFL Draft. He is currently projected to be a mid-round pick.
Abanikanda has a frame ready for NFL football. He is 5-foot-10 and 219 pounds, making him one of the bigger backs in the class. With his size, he is able to generate good power. He can run through arm tackles and has solid contact balance. Abanikanda can pick up first downs and touchdowns in short-yardage situations.
Despite being a bigger running back, Abanikanda has solid speed. He can hit holes quickly and also hits his top speed in a blur. Abanikanda is a home run threat once he gets into the open field. The combination of size and speed is enticing.
He is also pretty elusive for a player his size. Abanikanda can make people miss in space. He also has a nice one-step cut that he does to get defenders off-balance. His ability to change direction quickly helps him pick up extra yardage.
Abanikanda lacks patience as a runner. He hits the hole hard, which is good, but sometimes runs into the backs of his blockers when doing so. There are times when he could be more patient and find better holes to run through. Becoming more patient will make him more effective.
His pass protection needs to improve. Abanikanda has the size and strength to be successful. He needs to square up rushers and stand his ground. He could also show better recognition of where rushers are coming from.
With his pass pro being an issue, it may be hard for Abanikanda to find third-down work, as he wasn’t the best receiver at Pitt. He needs to run more routes and also improve his hands. Doing so will enable to stay on the field for all downs.
Projected Draft Range: Third Round Pick-Fifth Round Pick
Draft Grade: Third-Round Pick
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