Israel Abanikanda RB Pittsburgh | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
Israel Abanikanda RB Pittsburgh
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
| ROLE: Work-Horse Back | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Last Updated: 04/20/2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Draft Year: 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 40 time: 4.45 seconds (83%*) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Age: 22.2 DOB: 10/05/2002 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| ROLE: Work-Horse Back | |
| Last Updated: 04/20/2023 | |
| Draft Year: 2023 | |
| 40 time: 4.45 seconds (83%*) | |
| Age: 22.2 DOB: 10/05/2002 | |
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| Overall Rating: | 81.3 / 100 | |
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| Average rating of opposition Defense player has faced | ||
| Defense Rating: |
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74% |
| Click the links below to view how player ranks vs other prospects. | ||
| Rushing: |
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86% |
| Break Tackles: |
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60% |
| Receiving/Hands: |
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52% |
| Pass Blocking: |
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31% |
| Run Blocking: |
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59% |
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DRAFT PROJECTION:
5th
Overall Rank:
#154
Position rank:
#16
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| College Games: 31 College Snaps: 957 | ||
ESPN RATING: 76/100
College Combine Results
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247 RATING: 93/100
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RIVALS RATING: 5.6 (92%)
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Drafted: ROUND: 5 - Pick Number: 143 (NYJ)
Draft Profile: Bio
Israel Abanikanda from Abraham Lincoln High School was rated a 3-star recruit by ESPN and handed a 4-star grade by 247 Sports. Following high school, Abanikanda joined Pittsburgh.In 2020 as a freshman Abanikanda saw action in 7 games for the Panthers as he ran for only 95 yards on 28 attempts for only 3.4 yards per carry, with one TD, with no fumbles. As a receiver he made only 2 receptions for 11 yards.
As a sophomore in 2021 he played 13 games. and rushed for 651 yards on 123 carries for an impressive 5.3 ypc, with 7 TDs, with no fumbles. In the passing game he pulled in 24 receptions for 197 yards.
In 2022 as a junior Abanikanda saw action in 11 games for the Panthers. He ran for an elite 1426 yards on 241 attempts for an impressive 5.9 ypc, with 20 TDs, with 3 fumbles. As a receiver he made only 12 receptions for 146 yards.
Scouting Report: Strengths
- Abanikanda consistently falls forward, and Abanikanda will also bounce off of or shake loose from a couple of tackles to turn minimal gains into big runs.
- He has the flexible ankles to turn the corner and get around the perimeter when the opportunity presents itself.
- He’s patient, letting blocks develop then accelerating. Abanikanda runs with a good forward lean and consistently falls forward.
- He’s not a burner, and he is more of a block-what’s-given runner than a guy who is going to create.
- An excellent blocker on the outside, he also adds value in the running game.
- He’s equally dangerous in catch-and-run situations as he is taking the top off a defense
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
- He’s not physically imposing. Abanikanda is small-framed and won’t be able to carry much more weight.
- Abanikanda has constantly ran a limited route tree.
- He’s more of a cut blocker in pass protection as opposed to a guy who will stick his face in against the blitz, although that is a correctable flaw.
Israel Abanikanda percentiles vs other Running Backs (NFL Combine historically - higher value represents better perfomance)
How other scouting services rate Israel Abanikanda (Overall Rank)
All Scouts AverageOverall Rank
114.9
All Scouts AveragePosition Rank
18.0
*Percentile Ranking in Player's Position Group (NFL Combine Historical Data): This percentile reflects how a player's specific statistics rank
in comparison to historical performances at the NFL Combine, specifically within their position group. A higher percentile indicates a better performance.
For instance, being in the 90th percentile for a particular stat means the player outperformed 90% of their peers in that category.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.