2023 NFL Draft: Another Year, Another Running Back Chosen by the Jets

Pitt record holder added to Gang Green's stable of ball carriers in Round 5

It's becoming close to a sure thing. 

Joe Douglas has served as New York Jets' general manager for four consecutive National Football League Drafts and Gang Green has wound up picking a running back every time. 

Drafting a ball carrier in the Top 150 for the fourth year in a row, the Jets chose Pittsburgh's Israel Abanikanda early in Round 5 with the No. 143 overall pick. 

Abanikanda, a New York City product, averaged 5.6 yards per carry over 30 career games with the Pitt Panthers. The 5-foot-10 running back enjoyed a sensational 2022 campaign, winning the Atlantic Coast Conference rushing title on his way to All-American honors.

Displaying explosiveness, Abanikanda ran for conference bests in yards (1,431) and touchdowns (20). He also added 146 yards and one score on 12 receptions.

Abanikanda, who missed 1.5 games due to injury, hit the 100-yard rushing mark in nine of 11 appearances last fall. He broke the legendary Tony Dorsett's single-game program rushing record in a win over Virginia Tech. Running wild against the Hokies, Abanikanda totaled 320 yards and six touchdowns on 36 rushes. 

Per Pitt Athletics, Abanikanda joined LaDainian Tomlinson and Ricky Williams as the only players from current Power 5 programs to rush for 300 yards and score six rush TDs in a game over the last 25 seasons (source: ESPN Stats & Info).

A spot in the Jets' running backs room opened up earlier this week with the release of Ty Johnson, who was also a core special teamer.

JETS' 2023 DRAFTEE

ROUND 5 (No. 143 overall)

Israel Abanikandan, RB, Pittsburgh

Ht: 5110 | Wt: 217 | Hand: 0828 | Arm: 3200 | 40: 4.41

NFL Draft Bible Excerpt: "An explosive home run hitter who quickly blows past the second level, Abanikanda is a one-cut and go running back with elite acceleration and burst."

Pitt RB Israel Abanikanda / Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Running Backs Drafted by Joe Douglas

2023: Israel Abanikanda, Pittsburgh (R5, 143 overall) 

2022: Breece Hall, Iowa State (R2, 36 overall) 

2021: Michael Carter, North Carolina (R4, 107 overall) 

2020: La'Mical Perine, Florida (R4, 120 overall) 

RELEVANT LINKS:

Jets' Draft Tracker: Logging the Picks as They Happen

Gang Green Goes with 'Big Joe' Tippmann in Round 2

Sports Illustrated Gives Gang Green Average Grade for Round 1 Selection

Iowa State 'Cyclone Boys' Ready to Fuel Jets

Jets Country 2023 Offseason Personnel Tracker