Aug 19, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets running back Israel Abanikanda (25) carries the ball as Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Josh Hayes (32) dives for a tackle during the second half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
When the Jets drafted Pittsburgh running back Izzy Abanikanda in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL draft, many fans were understandably excited about adding one of college football’s most explosive players. In his final year at Pitt, Abanikanda, with his 4.34 speed, averaged six yards per carry and scored a whopping 20 touchdowns on the ground.
After what was essentially a red shirt year as a rookie, the expectation was that Abanikanda would move up the depth chart and see some real playing time in 2024.
But when Gang Green decided to take Wisconsin running back Braelon Allen in the fourth round of this year’s draft, fans had to be wondering about Abanikanda’s spot on the depth chart. Fast forward just two picks later, and it went from wondering if Abanikanda had not only been pushed down the depth chart, but off the roster.
The Jets took running back Isaiah Davis out of South Dakota State which would give them a total of 3 backs taken over the course of the last two drafts. Add to that the fact that they also carried Xazavian Vallady on their practice squad all of last year and then signed free agent Tarik Cohen and you’ve got a pretty crowded running back room.
So is there a way for Abanikanda to stick? We think there is.
While Allen is a virtual lock to take over the backup running back duties, don’t be surprised if Davis’ primary role this season is on special teams. Especially given his experience as a kick returner and the NFL’s new kick return rules which will call for two return men, at least of of which will require a bit more thump than in years past.
In fact, in an article that just dropped on nyjets.com (that you should definitely read here), in discussing Allen, the emphasis appears to be his ability to play a multitude of roles on special teams. While this hardly sets the back’s fate in stone, it does suggest the team views him in that light early on.
And while Valladay is a physical back who we liked out of college, we think Abanikanda’s skill set is more in line with what the Jets will be looking to pair with starter Breece Hall and Allen. And while Cohen was added after the draft, his last NFL game was back in 2020 with the Bears. Hard to say at this point that he’ll be taking anyone’s job without seeing what he’s got left in the tank.
So while Abanikanda may have an uphill battle in hanging around, writing him off this early is a bit premature.
