4 players the NY Jets can't afford to lose to injury in 2024

3. Breece Hall, RB, NY Jets

Aaron Rodgers is the most important offensive player on the team, but not far behind him is third-year running back Breece Hall.

Already in his short career, Hall has established himself as one of the premier backs in the league. In 2022, he was well on his way to winning the Offensive Rookie of the Year award until an ACL tear in Week 7 sidelined him opening a path for his teammate, wide receiver Garrett Wilson, to win the award.

Last season, there was some trepidation as to whether or not he'd be able to pick up where he left off in 2022 with the Jets exercising extreme caution with him early in the season. He was effectively in a timeshare with the washed-up Dalvin Cook, which led to some frustration from the fans and Hall himself.

Fortunately, Hall was quickly unleashed and the rest of the NFL saw exactly what a problem he can be. Despite playing behind a bruised and broken offensive line and with a rotating cast of QBs vying for the honor of worst in the league, Hall produced beyond expectations.

Hall finished 2023 rushing for 994 yards while adding another 591 through the air on 76 catches. That total put him at 1,585 yards from scrimmage which was good for fourth in the league, even with his limited playing time early in the year.

As the season progressed, Hall became the engine that drove whatever offensive production Gang Green could muster. Ineffectiveness at the wide receiver position outside of Garrett Wilson led to Hall having the duties of being the de facto number two option in the passing game also added to his plate.

While the Jets' offensive weapons outside of Hall are much improved, he still stands alone in one important category. He is the only true home run threat on the team. He is that explosive that, on any given carry or any given reception, he can break one open and take it to the house.

As good as receivers Garrett Wilson and Mike Williams are, they don't possess that game-breaking ability in a single play. Neither does tight end Tyler Conklin who is a solid player but not a superstar.

Rookie receiver Malachi Corley may have that kind of potential given his explosive YAC skills, but it remains to be seen how he'll adapt to NFL competition.

The depth behind Hall is intriguing but unproven. The Jets drafted two running backs on Day 3, fourth-round pick Braelon Allen and fifth-round pick Isaiah Davis. Both young players have intriguing upsides, but neither has any proven NFL experience.

A prolonged injury to Hall would make the dropoff pretty stark. Even if the young running backs are better than expected, Hall is one of the few elite backs in the league, making his shoes that much bigger to fill.

The Jets will lean a lot on Aaron Rodgers this year, but unlike when he was in his prime they want him t not to have to shoulder the entire load on his own. That's where Hall comes in and that's why his health is paramount in 2024.