Rookie Profile: Braelon Allen, Running Back, New York Jets
Welcome to the Rookie Profile: Braelon Allen, a 4-star running back recruit out of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. Allen elected to skip his senior year and graduate early, accounting for his youth relative to other RBs in his draft class.
Though he was younger than nearly everyone on the field, Allen broke out as a true freshman at the University of Wisconsin. Working behind transfer Chez Mellusi to start his college career, he quickly overtook him and became the featured piece of Wisconsin’s offense. He’s never let go of the starting role, earning plenty of volume to produce more than 3700 total yards and 35 touchdowns in his three seasons.
Allen’s size, speed, and, youth all stand out as outliers in an underwhelming RB class. If an NFL team sees traits they can mold, he could go earlier than expected and become an excellent NFL starter for years to come. The potential is there.
Measurables
Draft Capital & Landing Spot
Draft Capital- Round 4, Pick 34
- The Jets clearly felt a need at RB, drafting both Allen and Isaiah Davis in the 4th and 5th rounds of the NFL Draft. With 2023 5th-round selection Israel Abanikanda, the three now make up the backfield behind workhorse Breece Hall.
- Given that Allen has the highest capital of all Jets backups, it stands to reason that he’ll be given some time to develop. He is also just 20 years old, so progression in his game should occur.
Landing Spot- New York Jets
- The Jets are actually a fantastic spot for Allen. Although we may have wanted a spot with more of a wide-open depth chart, Allen will need time to acclimate to the NFL. Learning behind Hall and from future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers gives him a chance to eventually step into a complementary role in the offense.
Team Depth Chart
Expected Role: Developmental Running Back
Depth Chart via Fantasy Pros
Fantasy Impact
Allen is more or less dead for me in fantasy. He can develop and assume a significant role on a good Jets offense. However, the question is what this Jets team will look like in 2025 and 2026 once Rodgers retires. If they can manage to keep the band together and bring in a capable QB, it could go well. However, if OC Nathanial Hackett leaves with Rodgers, there could be too much turnover for Allen to get a shot.
I’m not drafting Allen anywhere, but he is someone I’ll keep an eye on this offseason. If the reports are positive, he’ll be worth a speculative stash at the end of my dynasty bench, if available on waiver wires. If someone is rostering him already, they can keep him for the long-term potential he can overcome being buried behind Hall.
Check out The Fantasy Football Universe Sneak Peek Video of Braelon Allen.
Check out our 2024 Rookie Rankings Page for a full breakdown of this rookie class.
