Key Takeaways:
– New York Jets rookie Braelon Allen impresses during the offseason’s organized team activities (OTAs).
– Despite not being known for his receiving skills, Allen stands out with his ability to catch deep passes down the field.
– Insiders and observers on social media have noted Allen’s impressive development in the passing game.
– Jets head coach Robert Saleh commends Allen’s smooth route running and solid hands.
– The Jets may have found a secret weapon in the backfield with Allen potentially being the clear frontrunner to be the No.2 running back after Breece Hall.
In the latest NFL draft, the New York Jets might have found an unexpected frontrunner in the emerging Braelon Allen. The rookie running back, a Wisconsin graduate, has shown immense promise during the offseason’s organized team activities (OTAs).
The Emergence of a Receiving Threat
Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic cites Allen as one of the biggest standout performers during the OTAs. Interestingly, running backs do not usually shine during this early part of the offseason, considering no one is in full gear yet. However, Rosenblatt highlights a unique reason for Allen’s buzz – his newly displayed skill in the receiving game.
Allen is drawing attention for his catching ability, particularly with short throws from the backfield. He has even managed to catch 50/50 balls over the defender’s head, changing the game during seven-on-seven drills. Meanwhile, Tyrod Taylor’s deep throws have been directly profitable for the fourth-round pick.
Praising Tweets and Media Reactions
Allen’s progression has not gone unnoticed among NFL insiders. His catching abilities are notably praised by Connor Hughes of SNY, who dubbed Allen’s “high-point catch” during deep passing as a phenomenal steal from the defender. Despite his college reputation primarily as a powerhouse back, Allen’s transformation into a key player in the passing game is evident.
The Jet Press also acknowledges Allen’s newfound prowess, citing his impressive receiving upside. With only one drop recorded in his final college year, Allen’s emerging skills are gaining traction.
Echoing similar sentiments, Robby Sabo of Jets X-Factor celebrated Allen’s noteworthy performance in the passing game, while Andy Vasquez noted Allen’s wide receiver-like possession. Allen’s size, listed as 6-foot-1 and 235 pounds on the Jets’ website, hasn’t hampered his agility in any way. In fact, ESPN’s Rich Cimini emphasized how well Allen moves as a big back.
Impressed by his consistent receptions in practice, head coach Robert Saleh applauded Allen’s easy handling, characterizing him as a ‘smooth route runner’.
Anticipating a Balanced Backfield
The undisputed No.1 option for the Jets’ backfield is the remarkable Breece Hall, whose extraordinary performance in 2023 is set for an elevation this season following his ACL recovery. However, to maintain a high performance without risking injury, a dependable committee in the backfield is vital.
With the potential for the Jets to have more leads in 2024, the team wouldn’t want to overwork Hall at the ends of games. Consequently, relying on young players like Allen to handle important plays should extend Hall’s shelf life and sustain the team’s overall health. In these circumstances, Rosenblatt even suggests that Allen could be the clear frontrunner to be the No.2 running back for the Jets.
All in all, the New York Jets seem to have unraveled a diamond in the rough in Braelon Allen – an emerging star glowing brighter with each training session.
