After selecting one Pittsburgh prospect to improve their offense in the fourth round (OT Carter Warren), the New York Jets dove back into the Panther pool in the fifth round of the draft, selecting Pittsburgh running back Israel Abanikanda at No. 143 overall.
Abanikanda, who is only 20 years old and will turn 21 in October, is a native of Brooklyn. He is coming off a breakout season for Pittsburgh in 2022, rushing 239 times for 1,431 yards and 20 touchdowns. Abanikanda also caught 12 passes for 146 yards and a touchdown.
Abanikanda stands at 5′ 10¾” and 216 pounds.