Heading into the 2024 season, the New York Jets desired to revitalize their offense. A returning Aaron Rodgers is a good start, but the real progress came via the offensive line. Two veteran tackles, a healthy Vera-Tucker, and an exciting prospect in Olu Fashanu. They have the makings of a stable unit, which is great news for the Jets running back room. After a tremendous return from ACL surgery, Breece Hall shined with over 1500 scrimmage yards. Such production just over a calendar year removed from ACL surgery is impressive. However, he’s not the only talent inside this running back group in 2024.
Jets Running Back Room Ready to Blowup
Equipped with a game-wrecking defense, Joe Douglas needed the New York Jets offense to play catch up. After regrouping the offensive line and adding Mike Williams & Malachi Corley to the wide receiver room, they’re on the right track. To maximize Aaron Rodgers talents after such a brutal injury, the Jets will rely on the ground game this year. Fortunately, this group will be led by the wisdom of Tony Dews. The newly hired running backs coach arrives in New York after spending six years in Tennessee. Dews spent the previous six seasons in Tennessee most recently as the Titans tights end coach. Within that time, he worked closely with Derrick Henry, helping him run for over 1,000 rushing yards in fix of those six seasons. The value of working with Dews can heighten Hall’s potential like never before.
Breece Hall
Breece Hall finished as the RB2 Overall in an offense that averaged only 15.8 PPG (5th Worst in the NFL).
Hall has 350 PPR Point – or more- Potential this season.
— TheOGfantasyfootball (@TheOGfantasy) June 9, 2024
Breece Hall has a golden opportunity this season. The 2022 second-round draft pick is now over a year removed from the October ACL tear that robbed his stellar rookie season. Returning with a chip on his shoulder, Breece Hall proved he can be a top running back in the league. Along with his 994 rushing yards and five touchdown runs, he became a useful tool in the passing game as well. He flashed receiving potential at Iowa State which became useful last year. Hall had 76 receptions for over 500 receiving yards and four touchdown receptions with a revolving door of quarterbacks. With the upgrades to the offensive line, a returning Aaron Rodgers, and Tony Dews experience, Breece Hall can solidify himself as a top 5 running back in the league.
Braelon Allen
Like Breece Hall’s arrival in 2022, Braelon Allen has the chance to shine in 2024. The youngest member of the running back room at 20 years old continued a strong tradition of talented Wisconsin running backs. Braelon Allen was teammates with center Joe Tippmann for the first two years in the Big Ten. They were quite the productive duo. With Tippmann creating the running lanes, Allen ran for more than 1,200 yards in back-to-back seasons with Tippmann at center. That kind of continuity is exactly what they need when Breece Hall needs a breather. In addition, Allen displayed his abilities as a pass protector. At 6’1″ and 235 lbs, Allen can be a useful extra blocker when needed. He will be given every chance at the second-string job behind Hall.
Braelon Allen is a downhill runner who loved to punish defenders.
— Antwan V. Staley (@antwanstaley) April 27, 2024
Israel Abanikanda
Competing with Allen will be 2023 fifth-round pick Israel Abanikanda. A frustrating start to his career, Abanikanda was losing carries to free agent bust Dalvin Cook. After Cook was released, Abanikanda was used in limited action. Finishing his rookie season with only 70 yards on 22 carries, Abanikanda wants more. The former University of Pittsburgh star running back flashed great potential his junior year. He finished with 1,431 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns. This includes breaking Hall of Famer Tony Dorsett’s single-game rushing record. If Nathaniel Hackett wants to save this offense, he has to use Abanikanda more.
#Jets rookie RB Israel Abanikanda with the first touchdown of the pre-season!pic.twitter.com/xtl5kkOnAw
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) August 4, 2023
Isaiah Davis
Along with Allen, the Jets added a second running back in the draft. South Dakota State Jack Rabbit Isaiah Davis. Unbeknownst to most fans, Isaiah Davis was a force in the FCS. At 6’1″ and 220lbs Davis displayed his breakaway speed helping the Jackrabbits capture back-to-back FCS championships. An offensive force with over 3,029 yards and 33 touchdowns runs combined in his final two seasons. He earned first-team All-American honors in the FCS. Keeping Breece Hall healthy is vital for the Jet’s success. If Isaiah Davis can have some productive carries, it can mean a world of difference for Breece Hall’s durability throughout the season.
Isaiah Davis, RB, South Dakota State
For a bigger back, Davis has some really light feet. He’s explosive out of his jump cut and understands how to navigate space accordingly. pic.twitter.com/4Ttvxqw493
— Ryan Roberts (@RiseNDraft) March 19, 2024
The Lions, Ravens, and 49ers all finished within the top 10 in rushing yards. All three made conference championship appearances. The Jets will hope to replicate this formula to catch up to Kansas City this season. With an improved offensive line, stability at the quarterback position, and four talented running backs; they might close that gap earlier than expected.
Main Photo: [Kevin R. Wexler] – USA Today Sports
