This overlooked Jets RB is quietly gearing up for a 2025 breakout

The New York Jets will enter the 2025 season with a new identity on offense. After finishing the 2024 season as the 31st-ranked rushing offense in football, New York will look to become a physical run-first team under new offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand.

The Jets' running back room, headlined by Breece Hall and a pair of year two running backs, Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis, will be key x-factors in this offense. While a lot of eyes are on Breece Hall as he enters a make-or-break season, Braelon Allen could be in store for a big year two breakout.

Through the first week of training camp, Allen has been one of the biggest standouts on offense. Allen has had multiple impressive runs, showcasing his vision and ability to hit the hole hard and reach the second level of the defense.

The second-year running back has also flashed as a receiver. It's still early, but Allen's strong start to the summer should have Jets fans excited.

Braelon Allen is emerging as a clear breakout candidate for the Jets

The Jets selected Braelon Allen in the fourth round of last year's draft out of Wisconsin. At just 20 years old, Allen spent his entire rookie season as the youngest player in the NFL.

Similar to the Jets, Allen got off to a quick start last season, before his production and the season dropped off. In the first four games, Allen averaged an impressive 4.8 yards per carry on 27 carries for 130 yards. The Wisconsin product also added seven receptions for 57 yards and a touchdown to his resume.

However, over the next 13 games, Allen rushed for just 3.1 yards per carry and tallied just 91 receiving yards. In total, Allen finished his rookie season with just 92 carries for 334 yards and two touchdowns while averaging 3.6 yards per carry.

The young running back also finished with 19 receptions for 148 yards and a touchdown, which happened in week two against the Titans.

Similar to the rest of the Jets' run game, Allen's rookie season suffered from a midseason coordinator change and a quarterback who ignored the run at times and instead threw 30-40 passes a game as the losses continued to mount.

One area the Jets should look to use Allen in more is short-yardage situations. The Wisconsin product had an 87.5% conversion rate on runs that needed two yards or less for a first down. His 90.0 Pro Football Focus rushing grade on those runs ranked first in the NFL.

Aaron Glenn had made it known that he wants this Jets team to be known for its physicality and competitiveness. Allen's size and physical running style fit exactly into what the Jets are looking for.

The Jets may have their own version of Sonic & Knuckles with Breece Hall and Braelon Allen.

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