Israel Abanikanda
- Underdog ADP: 212.9
- Rookie Draft ADP: 32
- Rookie RB Super Model: 59th percentile (RB10)
- Landing Spot: New York Jets (143rd overall)
Fantasy Outlook
It wasn't a great result for Izzy Abanikanda at the NFL Draft as he fell all the way to the fifth round after receiving some serious hype on fantasy Twitter in the pre-draft process.
He now finds himself competing with the likes of Michael Carter and Zonovan Knight for touches behind star RB Breece Hall. I like Abanikanda's talent and prospect profile enough to think he is the best of the rest, but as a fifth round pick he will have to earn it.
If he can win the backup job, his big play ability means he will be a threat to deliver fantasy value in any given week, but consistent production will be much harder to come by in 2023.
Abanikanda still offers upside in the late third round of rookie drafts due to his age and size-speed combo, but his floor is essentially nonexistent as well.
Summary
Israel Abanikanda (pronounced ah-banna-can-dah), an early declare running back from the University of Pittsburgh, is poised to make his mark in the NFL at a remarkably young age. He won't even turn 21 until October 5th of the 2023 NFL season.
Abanikanda's impressive athletic abilities were evident early on, as he was a highly decorated high school recruit, earning the Gatorade Player of the Year award in the state of New York. Additionally, he claimed two gold medals in the 100-meter dash at the New York Mayor's Cup, cementing his status as a multifaceted athlete.
In his junior year, Abanikanda established himself as a standout player, receiving third-team All-American honors and first-team All-ACC recognition. He dominated the stat sheet, amassing 1,431 rushing yards and an impressive 20 rushing touchdowns, which led the entire FBS.
Pros
Abanikanda has been one of the fastest risers throughout the draft process. Back in January when the season ended, he was the 234th-ranked prospect on consensus big boards, but now currently sits at 108.
Abanikanda's athletic prowess is truly remarkable. Standing at 5'10" and weighing in at 216 lbs., this former track star blazed through his pro day with an impressive 4.45 40 time, showcasing his exceptional speed. Additionally, his 97th percentile burst score is a testament to his explosiveness.
This tremendous athleticism is evident in his game tape, as he consistently demonstrates an ability to accelerate quickly and evade defenders, rarely getting caught from behind.
Oct 29, 2022; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers running back Israel Abanikanda (2) scores a touchdown as North Carolina Tar Heels defensive lineman Desmond Evans (10) is called for a facemark penalty in the second quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
He is a dynamic one-cut runner who has the build to be a workhorse back—Pittsburgh fed him the rock 239 times. Not only did he put up impressive raw numbers, but his efficiency was equally noteworthy, averaging an impressive 6 yards per carry and 57 breakaway yards per game.
Furthermore, his ability to break through tackles and make explosive plays was evident, with a total of 19 carries of 15+ yards. Abanikanda's tough and determined running style is exemplified by his refusal to be denied the end zone, resulting in an impressive 20 touchdowns.
Cons
Lance Zierlein compares Abanikanda to Isiah Pacheco, and I couldn’t agree with him more. Abanikanda is a big, fast runner who sometimes feels like he has no idea where he is going, but is excited to get there.
He needs to develop patience and vision as a runner; his inability to press the line of scrimmage will become more prevalent at the next level.
Where he differs from Pacheco is his finishing ability through contact. He averaged just 2.67 yards after contact, which is a below-average mark, and his 644 yards after contact ranked just 67th in the nation last season per PFF.
While some may point out his lack of production prior to his junior year, he is so young that it worries me far less than most.
Fantasy Outlook
Abanikanda has been moving up fantasy boards faster than NFL draft boards. Perhaps the leader of the hype train, Pat Kerrane has been singing his praises for months.
The concern is how much draft capital he needs to pay off his price tag, which rises by the day. Abanikanda’s athleticism and age are very exciting for dynasty upside, but his lack of vision and need to land on a zone-heavy team are reasons to temper year-one impact expectations.
If he goes on day two of the draft, get excited; however, if he falls to round four where he is currently projected to go, let's slow down the hype train. In the last 10 years, 13 rookie RBs have produced top-12 seasons, and only two didn't go in the first three rounds of the draft.
You can start drafting Abanikanda on Underdog Fantasy if you think he gets drafted on day two and double your deposit of up to $100 by signing up for a new account below!
Abanikanda is a great example of pressing an advantage early. He was a perfect swing in best ball in the later rounds, but now that he is pushing his way into round 12, you are playing from behind on a player who more likely than not will fall to round four of the draft.
