Jets host championship-winning RB on Top 30 pre-draft visit

As it turns out, breaking one championship drought may not be good enough for Indiana Hoosiers running back Kaelon Black.

That is excellent news for the New York Jets, who desperately need offensive playmakers amid their latest rebuild. Pro Football Talk reported on Wednesday morning that the Jets are among 10 teams that Black intends to meet with for pre-draft, top-30 visits.

PFT added that Black could also meet with the Bengals, and he is reportedly visiting the Texans on Wednesday.

The 5-foot-9, 211-pound Black is widely expected to go on the draft’s third and final day. As of April 8, the Jets have nine draft picks, including five on Day 3. Black and Roman Hemby split carries in Indiana’s backfield last season, with Hemby also viewed as a likely Day 3 selection.

Should the Jets take a chance on Kaelon Black?

After beginning his career playing for Curt Cignetti at James Madison, Black followed his coach to Indiana ahead of the 2024 season. Black played a pivotal role in Indiana’s national championship run this past season, rushing for 1,039 yards and 10 touchdowns on 5.6 yards per attempt.

Black finished his college career with 2,261 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns on 5.1 yards per carry. Outside of a 27-catch, four-touchdown season in 2023, he never really served as a receiver out of the backfield.

NFL Media’s Lance Zierlein projected that Black fits as a bottom-of-the-roster or practice squad player, citing his vision and limited receiving skills.

"He lacks ideal burst and utilizes too many stutter-steps in processing the run lane while headed to the hole. He’s not elusive inside but will add yards with his tackle-breaking and fall-forward running style."

Lance Zierlein

Black nonetheless makes sense as a late-round pick who could compete for additional snaps in the Jets’ backfield. New offensive coordinator Frank Reich needs another weapon behind Breece Hall, as Braelon Allen missed most of last year with an MCL sprain.

Although Allen is still only 22, he has only two seasons left on his rookie contract.

Unfortunately for Black, he turns 25 in October and has age working against him. It is telling, though, that at least 11 teams believe he is worth hosting on a top-30 visit. Black is talented, but the Jets might be better off targeting a younger running back earlier on Day 3.

Penn State standout Nick Singleton previously confirmed that he intended to meet with the Jets in March. Singleton will play his entire rookie season at 22 years old and is typically listed as a likely Day 3 pick.