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Analyst Picks Young RB To Be Jets' 'Breakout Star'

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Adam Schultz | Last updated Jun 26, 2025 11:38 PM ET

New York Jets running back Braelon Allen had a so-so rookie season with a couple of bright spots as he struggled to get a foothold in the offense.

Granted, not much about the offense aside from Garrett Wilson was good in 2024, but Allen did show promise with his powerful, bruising style. He totaled 334 yards and two touchdowns from his 92 carries as he played second-fiddle behind Breece Hall.

But could that change in 2025?

Given that Tanner Engstrand is coming from the Detroit Lions, who like to run the ball, and it will be a running back by committee with Hall, Allen, and Isaiah Davis, potentially.

And Nick Wojton from Jets Wire is tipping Allen to be New York's breakout star of 2025.

"Braelon Allen nearly had his breakout season as a rookie in 2024, but then the Jets made some changes to their coaching staff," Wojton writes. "When Nate Hackett lost his play-calling duties last season, Allen’s touches dropped in a big way in favor of Breece Hall.

"While Hall never broke out himself, Allen still was not leaned on in the same way. Moving forward under head coach Aaron Glenn, Allen’s fate could change because Glenn specifically said it will be a committee approach to rushing the ball moving forward."

Could Braelon eventually work his way up to being the No. 1 back for Aaron Glenn?

It would require Hall to fall off in a contract year, which he seems just as determined as ever to prove people wrong, and we think Allen is ahead of Davis in the depth chart.

There is no denying that Braelon will get his chances in 2025, and it is likely going to be more than the 92 he got last season. The big question is, can he build on it? And more importantly, impress the coaching staff enough to warrant more carries?

We might find out in training camp, but Allen has all the tools to make a big step in 2025; we just aren't sure if he will break out the way many hope.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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