The Jets are loading up on local players who went to Pittsburgh on Day 3 of the Draft.
Abanikanda, a 5-foot-10, 216-pound back, put up big numbers for the Panthers last season.The Jets currently have Breece Hall, who is recovering from ACL surgery as their top back.The Jets drafted Israel Abanikanda in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft.Here is what The Athletic’s Dane Brugler had to say about Abanikanda:
“A two-year starter at Pittsburgh, Abanikanda was the featured weapon in offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti Jr.’s balanced run attack. After a pass-heavy offense with quarterback Kenny Pickett and former coordinator Mark Whipple, Pitt dedicated the offense to the run game in 2022, and Abanikanda responded with a career-year, finishing No. 2 in the FBS in all-purpose yards .
“Abanikanda has eyes that are able to keep up with his lower body athleticism, which allows him to use a variety of rush paths and run with rhythm. His body tends to weaken once defenders make contact , and his workload will need to be monitored at the next level. “Overall, Abanikanda doesn’t have the contact balance desired for a featured NFL back, but he is an instinctive runner with outstanding vision, burst and run-away gear to be a productive part of a committee backfield. His development as a blocker and receiver will also determine his NFL ceiling.”
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