Does Izzy Abanikanda Still Have Shot to Make Jets Roster?

Jets running back Israel Abanikanda was limited to just 70 yards on 22 carries as a rookie in 2023.

The Jets took running back Isaiah Davis out of South Dakota State which would give them a total of 3 backs taken over the course of the last two drafts.  Add to that the fact that they also carried Xazavian Vallady on their practice squad all of last year and then signed free agent Tarik Cohen and you’ve got a pretty crowded running back room.

So is there a way for Abanikanda to stick?  We think there is.

While Allen is a virtual lock to take over the backup running back duties, don’t be surprised if Davis’ primary role this season is on special teams.  Especially given his experience as a kick returner and the NFL’s new kick return rules which will call for two return men, at least of of which will require a bit more thump than in years past.

In fact, in an article that just dropped on nyjets.com (that you should definitely read here), in discussing Allen, the emphasis appears to be his ability to play a multitude of roles on special teams.  While this hardly sets the back’s fate in stone, it does suggest the team views him in that light early on.

And while Valladay is a physical back who we liked out of college, we think Abanikanda’s skill set is more in line with what the Jets will be looking to pair with starter Breece Hall and Allen.  And while Cohen was added after the draft, his last NFL game was back in 2020 with the Bears.  Hard to say at this point that he’ll be taking anyone’s job without seeing what he’s got left in the tank.

So while Abanikanda may have an uphill battle in hanging around, writing him off this early is a bit premature.