Dynasty Rookie Profile: Israel Abanikanda

Running Back – Pittsburgh

5’11, 215 lbs

Strengths

Abanikanda is an explosive downhill runner. He not only has top-end speed to be a home run threat but a sturdy frame that absorbs contact well. He grabs the ball and accelerates as if Kenny Loggins is playing ‘Highway to the Danger Zone’ at all times. He’ll be one that might move up draft boards at the 2023 NFL Combine. 

This speed is on display when you see that this past season he ran for 20 touchdowns and was named a Doak Walker Award semifinalist. The incredible leg drive translates well to him breaking tackles and moving piles. Abanikanda blends running styles to make him a very complete runner. Finally, his vision and patience both serve him well on wide zone plays that create a long time for a hole to open up. 

Weaknesses

While there aren’t a ton of holes in Abanikanda’s game, he does have some drops in the passing game. Additionally, Abanikanda needs to improve blitz pickup in order to look more like a three-down back. In frustrating fashion, he doesn’t bounce runs outside quite as much as you’d like to see.

NFL Fit and Draft Capital

Going into draft season, Abanikanda looks like a Day 2 prospect, on the other hand, the depth of this draft class creates an increased likelihood that he will be picked in the 4th round of the NFL Draft. That being considered, he does have a role as a two-down back in the NFL and if it is a run-first offense, gives him a ceiling as high as anyone else in the class. He is one of the youngest at the position in this class at a position that favors youth. His talents along with his age make him a candidate to go surprisingly early in NFL Draft

As for how it translates to your rookie drafts, Abanikanda currently would need a leapfrog in NFL Draft capital or an incredible landing spot to move up more than his current slotting. He looks like a running back of the 2nd Round selection. Additionally, if you are struggling with pronouncing his full name, it goes much easier if you say it to the beat of ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’. 

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