While he didn’t exactly light the NFL world on fire, running back Braelon Allen had himself a fine debut season, amassing 482 total yards and 3 touchdowns in what was mostly a disastrous season for the New York Jets. For now, he will remain the RB2 behind Breece Hall, but that could change soon according to one analyst from Pro Football Focus.
In the latest edition of their annual NFL All-Breakout Team, consisting of players that are expected to take a huge leap in their development, PFF’s Bradley Locker listed Allen out of all available running backs. In justifying this choice, Locker wrote: “Allen remains the backup to Breece Hall in New York, but Hall’s production declined in a big way last year with only a 68.7 PFF rushing grade. If Allen can improve his pass-catching abilities (50.3 PFF receiving grade) and blocking prowess (52.7 PFF pass-blocking grade), he could emerge as more of an every-down back for the Jets.”
The 2025 NFL season is going to be a huge opportunity for both Jets running backs. Hall desperately needs a bounce-back season to prove that he’s still on track to be the NFL’s next dominant running back. Meanwhile, Allen will seek to prove that he can not only be a reliable part of a 1-2 rushing duo, but also a workhorse, three-down back himself.
Can Allen accomplish this? The Jets have certainly made it easier for him (and Hall) to succeed. The offensive line is expected to be much better in 2025 than it has in recent years. Offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand, who spent the last three years in Detroit learning from offensive guru Ben Johnson, will likely make a dominant ground game the engine of his offense.
Last but not least, signing one of the NFL’s best rushing quarterbacks in Justin Fields will open up the entire field for Allen. Defenses have to respect Fields’ rushing ability, which could make them hesitant to pursue Allen or Hall aggressively on hand-offs.
He may not beat out Hall for a starting spot in the roster, but a greatly increased workload and a breakout season sure seem to be in the cards for Allen. The opportunity will be there for him in 2025, and it's going to be up to him to seize it.