Jets rookie watch 2024: Can Braelon Allen be the thunder to Breece Hall’s lightning?

The AFC East may have to brace for the “Killer Bs” backfield of Breece Hall and Braelon Allen in 2024.  That is the nickname the New York Jets star running back has already given himself and the 2024 NFL Draft fourth-round pick out of the University of Wisconsin.

While Hall has already established himself as the lead back with the Jets with his game-breaking ability, the unknown is Allen, who is more of the bruiser in the duo.  At 235 pounds, Allen will ultimately be the thunder to Hall’s lightning as the Jets’ running game will look to take some of the load off Aaron Rodgers and perhaps set up for a more dangerous passing game.

It really does start with Hall who was excluded from the NFL Top 100 player list but is undoubtedly one of the top running backs in the league when healthy.  The key word there is health.  The Jets drafted Allen and fifth-round pick Isaiah Davis to help lighten Hall’s load which will keep him fresh.  But the Jets may have a running back in Allen who could be a force to be reckoned with all on his own.

Jets’ run game shifting gear with the addition of Braelon Allen

The addition of Allen gives the Jets a change of pace back who also can catch the ball out of the backfield. This gives the Jet’s backfield more flexibility in the run game and a power back they can inset in short-yardage situations and at the goal line.  Not only will Rodgers love him as a check down option, but the fans will also love the force in which he runs with.

In his final season with the Badgers, Allen rushed for 984 yards on 181 attempts and 12 touchdowns.  He added 28 receptions for 132 yards catching the ball which again, makes him a dual threat when he’s in the game.  But it is the powerful impact to his running style that he knows will make him a factor his rookie season.

“The expectation for me is to be that bruiser and run with more power and low pads and just impose my will on people,” Allen said, via the team’s official site.  “As I’ve grown over the years, that’s become more, more of the emphasis.”

The question for the Jets’ offense is could they find ways to have both Hall and Allen on the field at the same time.  The lighting force that is Breece Hall together with the punishing thunder of Braelon Allen may just have that “Killer Bs” nickname sticking true in the 2024 NFL season.