Israel Abanikanda fantasy football

Should New York Jets RB Breece Hall be handcuffed?

Is there a direct fantasy replacement should Hall miss time?

Most NFL teams have backup plans in case of injury to their primary running backs. Some opt for a timeshare that plays to the strengths of two or three guys. When there’s a clear lead back, many teams make sure they have an understudy waiting for his chance or a veteran with a history as Plan B.

The New York Jets have no such plan. Breece Hall is the clear-cut starter and a first-round fantasy pick. Hall has the potential to be a three-down dominator, but injuries happen in the NFL, and the Jets have three players with a combined 29 NFL touches in six games. There’s no Plan B in New York, except for these three unknowns….

Fantasy football: Dalvin Cook joins the Jets to bolster New York’s backfield

A turbulent fantasy situation just became an even rockier ride.

The wait is over, folks. Former Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook has agreed to join the New York Jets and will improve an already talented backfield. It also further devalues Breece Hall as he’s returning from knee reconstruction and wasn’t expected to be 100 percent himself during the first half of the season.

Cook will play behind a surefire Hall of Fame quarterback in Aaron Rodgers and should be a versatile asset in fantasy leagues. The well-rounded Florida State product is no stranger to injury, however, so gamers should consider that when factoring him into their draft plans.

The biggest question here is what kind of role will Cook and Hall have together when they’re both healthy. Hall was having a fine rookie season before the injury and will be a full year removed from the ACL tear come October 23. From a physical standpoint, the knee currently is structurally sound, but regaining confidence and spring in his step may take until the second half of the season.

Fantasy football outlook: New York Jets running backs

Are the Jets done adding offensive talent this offseason?

It’s a brave new world for the New York Jets following the acquisition of quarterback Aaron Rodgers. While the team didn’t acquire the four-time MVP to shy away from the passing game, New York’s ground attack should be much more viable in 2023 thanks to the threat of Rodgers picking apart the opposing secondary. That’s in contrast to whatever it was QB Zach Wilson and company did last year when the club ranked 26th in rushing at 99.2 yards per game.

Most of the principles from the group who posted that number return, including running backs Breece Hall, Michael Carter, and Zonovan Knight, who will be joined by rookie RB Israel Abanikanda. Where can fantasy owners expect to find value in this position group? Let’s find out.

2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report: RB Israel Abanikanda, Pitt

Will one year of stellar production translate to success in the NFL?

Pittsburgh running back Israel Abanikanda skipped the Sun Bowl and opted for the NFL after his breakout junior season. The explosive rusher produced the most total touchdowns in the nation and led the ACC in offensive yards (1,577) as well as rushing yards (1,431) in 2022.

The highlight of his junior season was a 320-yard, six-touchdown performance against Virginia Tech. Perhaps more impressively, the man known as “Izzy” rushed for at least 111 yards and a score in the next five contests. Abanikanda won first-team All-ACC honors to cap off the season, and he also garnered third-team Associated Press All-American status.

Height: 5-foot-10
Weight: 216 pounds
40 time: N/A

Abanikanda won two gold medals in the 100-meter dash in New York and added a bronze to his hardware collection. His father ran track at Georgia Tech, and his brother, Michael, played football for Buffalo and Temple.

Table: Israel Abanikanda stats (2020-22)

Year	School	Class	G	Rushing				Receiving
Year	School	Class	G	Att	Yds	Avg	TD	Rec	Yds	Avg	TD
2020	Pitt	Fr	6	28	95	3.4	1	2	11	5.5	1
*2021	Pitt	So	13	123	651	5.3	7	24	197	8.2	1
*2022	Pitt	Jr	11	239	1,431	6.0	20	12	146	12.2	1

*includes postseason/bowl games (stats from Sports Reference)

Pros

Impressive straight-line speed to take it to the house and has excellent initial burst to get to the edge
Well-built frame with considerable muscle definition
Limited use prior to 2022 has kept his odometer low on mileage
Optimal upside in a zone-blocking system thanks to an effective jump-cut
Will be only 20 years old come Week 1
Special teams experience and success
Highly competitive

[lawrence-related id=464715]

Cons

Limited exposure in the passing game makes him a project to be more than a two-down option
Doesn’t present much wiggle in the open field — may prove to be too reliant on his speed vs. NFL defenders where everyone is fast
Needs to better patience and the ability to play off of blocks
Effort blocker but lacks technique

Fantasy football outlook

Abanikanda’s athletic profile reminds of Marlon Mack. Both share the same general build and excellent speed as assets as well as deficiencies as a receiver. That may sound like a negative with how Mack’s career has played out, but we haven’t see the same durability concerns from this incoming rookie.

Given Izzy’s limitations and the positional devaluation, he is likely a midround pick in April’s draft. The system fit for Abanikanda is more important than with most backs; his upside will be impacted if not drafted by a team that employs a zone-blocking scheme. There’s just not enough variety in his skill set to see him as more than a two-down back in a one-cut-and-go design.

The lack of receiving chops also pigeonholes his utility, so efficiency on the ground will be a must if he’s to contribute in fantasy football. Such a low-volume, high-efficiency role makes for a risky, inconsistent play from week to week.

Now, if Abanikanda earns the early-down share of a backfield split, which could take a year or two, he becomes an intriguing gamble for RB2 or flex returns. It’s tough to see him entering a primary role out of the gates, and gamers should earmark Izzy as depth for dynasty leagues before expecting immediate results.