Bengals Prospect Breakdown: Israel Abanikanda Could Bring Juice to Running Back Room

Cincinnati will likely add a running back this offseason.

Author:
Blake Jewell
Publish date:
Feb 23, 2023 7:59 AM EST

In this story:

The Bengals need to draft a running back, and there's not a better time to do it with how deep the talent is this year.

There’s plenty of talented running backs being projected in the middle rounds, such as Tyjae Spears, Keaton Mitchell, and Roschon Johnson, but my favorite of the bunch is Pittsburgh's Israel Abanikanda.

With Samaje Perine slated to be a free agent and Joe Mixon a potential cap casualty, Abanikanda could bring youth to the Bengals running back room, while saving them a significant amount of money.

Measurables: 5’11”, 215 lbs

Strengths:

Aside from his talent, one of the more crucial things when looking for a running back prospect is age. Abanikanda is only 20-years-old, and a related stat for running backs is workload. He only logged 390 carries his entire college career (compared to 539 for Bijan Robinson).

One thing that absolutely sticks out when researching Abanikanda is his production. As a 20-year-old running back in 2022, he rushed for 1,431 yards on six yards-per-carry and 20 touchdowns. His most impressive performance was against Virginia Tech, where he rushed for 320 yards and six scores. The combination of age and production shows just how talented Abanikanda is.

When looking at actual physical traits, Abanikanda offers good size and terrific athletic abilities. He has power, but his speed and burst make him a home run hitter. He has good long speed, but his explosiveness, vision and burst mean he can take off at any given moment.

His ability to find holes, navigate, and then explode upfield is something that the Bengals could really use. With Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, they are a team that favors the pass, but having a threat like Abanikanda could make their passing game even more effective.

A big trait Bengals fans are looking for in a running back is pass blocking ability. Abanikanda is an effective pass blocker, although it is something he could improve upon. His pass blocking ability is similar to his pass catching ability. He’s shown he can do it, but has room for improvement.

Weaknesses:

It seems like his biggest weakness is making good moves after getting the ball. In congested areas he struggles to make good cuts and times and ends up getting tackled. While he is a home run hitter, he could do better at taking advantage of opportunities for a big play.

As mentioned earlier, he can pass block and catch passes, but it’s certainly something that needs worked on. For him to be the full time back in the Bengals' offense, he’d need to solve some of the issues he faces in those areas.

Summary

A young, athletic, and explosive running back who is a willing pass blocker is something the Bengals should absolutely look for. Abanikanda is projecting as a fifth round pick right now, which would make him one of the biggest steals in the 2023 NFL Draft.

For more on the Bengals, watch the video below and subscribe to our YouTube Channel. Get Your Bengals Tickets From SI Tickets HERE.

Make sure you bookmark All Bengals for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more!

You May Also Like:

A Look Ahead: Cincinnati Bengals Offseason Predictions

Zac Taylor: They're Gonna Have To Carry Me Out Of' Cincinnati 'In A Casket'

CBS Sports's Joel Corry Lists Joe Mixon As Top Cap Casualty Candidate This Offseason

Watch: Joe Burrow Begins Offseason Training Program

Complete List of Cincinnati Bengals' Picks in 2023 NFL Draft

ESPN's Field Yates Predicts Bengals Re-Sign Jessie Bates III

ESPN Analytics Ranks Ja'Marr Chase, Bengals Wide Receivers Outside Top Seven NFL Pass Catchers

Joe Burrow Tied At The Top Of 2023 NFL MVP Odds List

Report: Brian Callahan Eliminated From Colts Head Coaching Search