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%*) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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*Percentile calculated on how any given stat would rank at the NFL combine
historically in the player's position group (Higher value represents better perfomance).
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| ROLE: Work-Horse Back | |
| Last Updated: 04/20/2023 | |
| Draft Year: 2023 | |
| 40 time: 4.45 seconds (83%*) | |
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*Percentile calculated on how any given stat would rank at the NFL combine
historically in the player's position group (Higher value represents better perfomance).
SHARE THIS PROFILE:
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| Overall Rating: | 81.3 / 100 | |
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Game performance weighted rating.
Click the links below to view how player ranks vs other prospects. |
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| 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:
#152
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 Back's (NFL Combine historically - higher value represents better perfomance)
How other scouting services rate Israel Abanikanda (Overall Rank)
All Scouts AverageOverall Rank
115.8
All Scouts AveragePosition Rank
12.0