Could 2025 Be This Former Fourth Round Pick’s Breakout Year?

While Breece Hall gets most of the noise when it comes to running backs for the New York Jets, second-year player Braelon Allen has the chance to make waves this season. With new head coach Aaron Glenn noting that the team will be very focused on the running game, it’s easy to imagine both Hall and Allen getting significant carries. Since new quarterback Justin Fields is also someone who frequently utilizes the run game, it should be interesting to see how the ball is distributed. In Detroit, Glenn watched an offense that utilized a backfield-by-committee approach, which allowed both Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery to equally share the backfield. If Hall and Allen can work the same way, the run game could be dangerous for the Jets. 

While Allen’s 2024 stats weren’t the most flashy, he was a consistent running back, especially when the Jets needed to pick up a first down. Allen totaled 334 yards on 92 carries with two touchdowns, averaging 3.6 yards per carry. In short-gain situations, Allen usually received the ball. Compared to Hall’s 46.4% short gain first down completion percentage, Allen’s 51.1% is significantly higher. Allen picked up 22 total first downs in his 92 carries, while Hall totaled 40 in his 209 carries. 

Last week, Pro Football Focus contributor Bradley Locker released his 2025 NFL All-Breakout Team, naming one player for each position. Allen was the representative at running back, beating out all other second-year backs. While Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving was the flashier second-year running back, Allen was able to quietly put together a campaign that turned heads. Allen’s overall PFF grade was 73.6. 

If Allen can put up numbers better than last season, he can be more than just a backup to Hall. The potential of a dynamic dual backfield and an expanded workload for Allen is something Jets fans can get excited about. As the season draws closer and mandatory workouts start, it will be interesting to see how the coaching staff uses Allen and distributes the ball to both backs. If Allen can show his durability this season, he has the chance to emerge as one of the biggest offensive weapons for the Jets.