The Breakdown

After chasing a big name with little left to offer in Dalvin Cook last year, the Jets changed their approach for depth in the backfield this year. They drafted Braelon Allen out of Wisconsin in the fourth round and Isaiah Davis out of South Dakota State in the fifth round.

The mission was to not only get younger, but add bruising size that can run downhill when Breece Hall needs a breather. Allen will play his entire season as a 20 year old, which is ironic considering he looked like a man amongst boys throughout the preseason.

Let's make no mistake here, Hall is far and away the star of the show. He is the rare modern day workhorse running back that never needs to come off of the field, as he impacts the game on the ground and through the air. Per PFF, he forced 47 missed tackles in the ground game and 32 more after the catch. Factoring in how little his offensive line helped him (he averaged 1.1 yards before contact) and is now upgraded, the expectations for Hall in 2024 are limitless.

The Jets invested draft capital in two more running backs because they need the best version of Hall ready to rumble in December and on. How they manage him is the story of this group and Allen's promising Summer might have earned him situational work (short yardage and goalline work).

When training camp started, Abanikanda looked like the odd man out. Yet his strong preseason performances, combined with the speed element he brings to this group helped him secure a roster spot. This was smart management by the Jets, giving the team extra insurance if an injury hits (and at running back it unfortunately feels like a when and how severe, not an if).

The Jets want to protect their most valuable asset in Aaron Rodgers. A surefire way to do that is running the ball effectively and they've accumulated the talent to do that.

The Prediction

Hall dominates the workload in the backfield, rushing for 1,200 yards and adding 475 through the air. Allen vultures four touchdowns, proving to be a valuable player to push the pile and close out games the Jets are far and away in control of. Davis and Abanikanda will only see time on offense if an injury strikes, with Allen being the next man up.