Braelon Allen

Having made a huge early impression at OTAs, New York Jets rookie running back Braelon Allen is viewed by many as the perceived favorite to earn the “vacant” backup role behind Breece Hall. Coming out of Wisconsin, Allen has a solid reputation as a powerful runner and pass-blocker. However, it appears as though there might be more to the fourth-round pick’s arsenal, as the sturdy, 245-pound back has already showcased his shiftiness and receiving prowess in practice.

In a New York running back room that boasts a lack of experience behind starter Breece Hall, Allen figures to command a sizeable role right away. Izzy Abanikanda, who slotted in behind Hall and Dalvin Cook last season and will likely serve as Allen’s top competition for the backup spot, registered just 70 yards on 22 carries during his rookie season in 2023. Isaiah Davis, a rookie out of South Dakota State selected with one of the Jets’ three fifth-round picks, is currently slotted into the fourth and final running back slot on the team’s depth chart behind Abanikanda.

While Allen is just 20 years old and was utterly dominant at times during his truncated collegiate career (597 carries for 3,494 yards and 35 touchdowns across three seasons), Breece Hall remains one of the very best tailbacks in the league and should command an absurd workload in 2024. For this reason alone, Allen is best served as a shot-in-the-dark selection in the latter rounds of your fantasy football league. More likely, though, he will be on waivers barring an injury to New York’s star running back. In the event that happens, Allen should be a valuable — albeit not the greatest — handcuff option.

The New York Jets draft Wisconsin RB Braelon Allen at 134th overall. If A.J. Dillon is the Quadzilla, Allen is the Quadfather. He is bricked up and will bring his impressive power, instincts and blocking ability to the Jets. He can immediately contribute to the Jets RB rotation and can be the thunder to Breece Hall’s lightning.

Allen (6’1″ 235 lbs.) rushed 597 times for 3,494 yards and 35 touchdowns and caught 49 receptions for 275 yards over three years as a Badger. Despite being only 20 years old, he’s been very productive in college. He is an enormous, balanced, and fast-for-his-size prospect, who we can see moving piles, punching in goal-line TDs, bouncing off defenders for YAC, and successfully blocking for Aaron Rodgers. Some concerns include a lack of burst, slower acceleration, and a (surprisingly) lack of ferocity.

Although the Jets were not necessarily weak at the RB position going into the Draft, adding Allen will certainly help Breece Hall stay healthy, who has struggled with past injuries. Allen is worth a late round pick in fantasy drafts as Hall’s handcuff and potential running back by committee member.