Saints 2023 Draft Prospect: Israel Abanikanda

A closer look at an explosive Pitt running back who should be a big play addition to an NFL offense.

In 2022, the New Orleans Saints ranked just 19th in rushing production with an average of 116.6 yards per game. Those numbers were even bolstered by two games early in the year with over 225 yards on the ground. Without those, New Orleans barely averaged 101 yards in their other 15 outings. The Saints were held under 100 yards on the ground in six of seven games during a mid-season stretch, going 1-5 in those contests. 

New Orleans RB Alvin Kamara is one of the league's most dynamic backs. Kamara has had at least 1,300 yards from scrimmage in all of his six seasons, but has averaged less than 4 yards per carry the last two years and scored in just two games in 2022.

The Saints signed free-agent RB Jamaal Williams this offseason to complement Kamara, a problem the last two years. With legal issues that could cause Kamara at least a six-game suspension this season, expect New Orleans to add some more backfield help.

Bijan Robinson of Texas is the only sure first-round choice at running back this season and will be long gone before the Saints pick at Number 29. However, this is a position that looks deep and could provide talent well into the middle rounds. Today, we look at one of the most underrated running back prospects. 

RB - Israel Abanikanda 

Pitt (Jr.)

5'10" 216-Lbs.

Pitt Panthers running back Israel Abanikanda (2) runs the ball against the Louisville Cardinals. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports

A high school track star and New York state medalist in the 100m, Abanikanda was a critical part of the Panthers offense the last two years. He led them in rushing (651 yards, 8 touchdowns) during their ACC Championship season of 2021.

After losing QB Kenny Pickett to the NFL, Abanikanda carried Pitt's attack in 2022 on his way to 1st Team All-ACC honors. He churned out 1,431 yards on the ground, rushing for over 100 yards in nine of 11 contests. His 20 rushing scores tied for the FBS lead and his 1,805 all-purpose yards tying for seventh. 

Abanikanda didn't participate in drills during the Scouting Combine, but put on a show during his Pro Day. He ran a sub-4.4 in the 40, and his vertical jump (41") and broad jump (10'8") would have bested all participating backs at the Scouting Combine. 

Abanikanda might struggle as an every down back, at least early in his career. He caught just 36 passes in his last two years of full-time duty and needs a lot of improvement in picking up rushers when in pass protection. 

Despite his size, he sometimes struggled with decisiveness in short yardage situations and must do a better job at waiting for blocks to develop. 

Pitt ran a zone scheme where Abanikanda excelled. He can cut on a dime and has instant acceleration to break big plays. The Panthers had some offensive line issues, but Abanikanda showed outstanding ability to elude tacklers in the backfield and keep moving forward. 

Abanikanda has a good natural feel for contact and consistently spins away for extra yards. He exhibits excellent vision for backside cutback lanes and the quick feet to get through the hole in a flash. In congested areas, he has the elusiveness to get out of tight spots and the constant upper-body wiggle to keep a pile moving. 

Abanikanda's jump cuts and sprinters speed make defenders look helpless in the open field. If his hands can get a little more consistent, those big play abilities would also be lethal on screens and check-down passes. 

Dec 4, 2021; Pitt Panthers running back Israel Abanikanda (2) breaks into open field against Wake Forest Demon defensive back Luke Masterson (12). Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY 

The signing of Jamaal Williams is a key addition. Kamara is at his most dangerous when moved around the formation, and the Saints haven't been able to do that for two years with no backfield complement other than Taysom Hill. With Kamara facing a lengthy suspension, however, it would be wise for the Saints to add another threat at the position. 

Israel Abanikanda has risen up draft boards from an early Day 3 pick to a probable Day 2 selection. He's a productive and explosive runner capable of being a lead back with improved third down performance.