Former Jets draft pick may not make it out of another training camp

The New York Jets may have thought they landed a late-round gem when they selected Pitt running back Israel Abanikanda in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. However, after one year, 70 rushing yards, and some less-than-stellar results as a kick returner, Abanikanda was released to the free agent pool.

Abanikanda has since been picked up by a contending team in the San Francisco 49ers. While this could be the perfect launching pad for any young running back, Abanikanda might now have the ability to get the reps he needs to break out in the pros.

Christian McCaffrey is the starter, and Isaac Guerendo is the backup. Lock it in. Fifth-round rookie Jordan James will likely be behind those two while Abanikanda, Patrick Taylor Jr., and UDFA Corey Kiner fight for the RB4 role. Abanikanda faces long odds of making this roster.

Former Jets RB Israel Abanikanda may not make 49ers roster

Abanikanda found himself thrown into the NFL Draft spotlight after running for 1,431 yards and 20 touchdowns in just 11 games during his final collegiate season. However, 10 of those touchdowns came in two games against FCS school Rhode Island and a bad Virginia Tech team.

Abanikanda had great top-end speed, solid tackle-breaking ability, and a nose for the end zone. However, draft analysts and scouts noticed his mediocre athletic ability, inability to consistently hit holes in between the tackles, and noted the fact that he only had one year of truly amazing production.

Abanikanda did come into a Jets team that was led by Breece Hall, had signed free agent flop Dalvin Cook, and still had Michael Carter floating around for a good chunk of 2023. While Abanikanda could have used 2024 to prove he can stick in the pros, the Jets drafted two replacements in Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis.

Lacking Allen's raw power and Davis' hard-charging style up the middle, Abanikanda was cut loose. San Francisco could be a good spot for him, as McCaffrey is hurt often and Kyle Shanahan is one of the best running back developers in recent NFL history.

However, failing to make the 49ers roster could also be the death knell for Abanikanda's NFL career, barring a resurgence in another league. He will always be able to hit home runs with his speed, but will he be able to add the other more technical parts of the position to his toolbox?

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