New York Jets running back Breece Hall has faced quite a bit of adversity since being selected in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft. His rookie season was cut short because of a torn ACL, which limited him out of the gate in Year 2.
Hall was on a pitch count early in the season, splitting time with veteran Dalvin Cook. But, by Week 5, he had taken over the lead back role in the Jets’ offense and showcased what makes him one of the best young running backs in the NFL.
The Iowa State product has a rare blend of rushing and pass-catching ability as a true dual-threat player. He is one of the best receiving running backs in the NFL, something offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett shockingly admitted he was unaware of for most of the season.
Despite what comes off as inept coaching and being eased into the lineup early on, Hall was one of the most productive running backs in the NFL this season. In fact, he joined San Francisco 49ers star running back Christian McCaffrey in an exclusive group.
Heading into the 2023 season and now at its conclusion, McCaffrey was the only running back in the past four seasons to record 950+ yards rushing with 75+ receptions. Now, that list is joined by Hall, who accomplished it in 2023.
Hall finished the season with 994 rushing yards, falling short of the 1,000-yard mark in a calculation error according to Jets head coach Robert Saleh. He added 76 receptions for 591 yards with eight total touchdowns.
His 1,585 yards from scrimmage were the second most among running backs this season, with only McCaffrey recording more. It is a truly remarkable feat to have produced at that clip given everything working against Hall this season.
Any time you are mentioned in the same sentence as McCaffrey, you are doing something right as a running back. Hall was able to produce this much despite opponents feeling no threat of being beaten through the air and being held back by the coaching staff in some ways. The future looks bright for the Jets’ backfield with him leading the way.
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