Jets Offseason Breakdown: Running Back - Breece or Bust?
As with every offseason, each position group has its own unique sets of questions each organization must answer.
For the New York Jets, as has been the case for the better part of 13 years, the only question worth asking is if each position group is strong enough to end a decade-long playoff drought.
Throughout the next few weeks, we'll break down exactly where the Jets are regarding each position as they enter the 2024 offseason, and their expectations entering a new NFL season. Along the way, we'll drop some targets the organization could consider taking and some of the questions that need to be answered.
In the running back room, Gang Green should be proud to say that they have one of the best in the game in Breece Hall. Will he be enough to send the Jets to the playoffs in 2024?
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Today's breakdown of the running back room will center around that very question.
Jets Running Back Breakdown
2023 Season In Review
Grade: B
Much of this grade is affected not by the performance of Hall, but by the lack of production from those behind him. Four-time Pro Bowl running back Dalvin Cook struggled throughout the year to get on the field, Michael Carter was released by midseason and mid-round rookie Israel Abanikanda's blocking was the reason he didn't see the field until the final weeks of the 2023 season.
All those concerns aside, Hall showed in 2023 that he can not only be a bellcow for the Jets going forward, but he is one of the more electric runners in the NFL today. His 1,585 scrimmage yards were only behind Christian McCaffrey while ranking 13th in total rushing yards.
The Jets go as Hall goes moving forward, but having some different runners that can spell him from time to time will be important this offseason.
Runningbacks On Roster: Breece Hall, Israel Abanikanda
Pending Free Agents: None
Important Questions
Can Israel Abanikanda Take The Next Step In Development?
Abanikanda was an intriguing prospect coming out of Pittsburgh last year and there are plenty within the Jets organization that believe he can be a dependable player as he learns key pass-blocking schemes.
All that being said, though, this is a very important offseason for the 21-year-old. As a late-round pick, his spot on the 53-man roster is not guaranteed this season, especially if the Jets were to sign a free agent or draft another player.
"Izzy" does have tremendous upside, but he'll need to get stronger, and be better in pass pro to show the coaching staff he can be trusted to be the "Robin" to Hall's "Batman."
How Worried Should Jets Be of Wearing Down Hall?
Hall is only 22 years old and has over 300 carries in his first two seasons. In terms of total touches, the Iowa State product has accumulated close to 400 in his first 24 games.
In short, every team with a talented young running back like Hall should be concerned about putting too much on the position. The more touches a runner gets, the more likely he won't be as dependable by the time his rookie contract is up.
Consider the Ezekiel Elliott issue with the Dallas Cowboys. When he was drafted in the top-10, the Cowboys knew he could make a difference right away in their season. Elliott led the league in carries twice in his first three seasons while totaling over 300 carries in three of his first four seasons.
Where is Elliott now? A free agent about to be on his third team before turning 29. It's a cautionary tale the Jets need to consider when they discuss Hall's usage.
How Important Is Finding Another Back This Offseason?
As mentioned above as the reason why the Jets need to be cautious with Hall, it's very important to have other running backs to spell the star from time to time.
It would be a massive mistake if New York ran Hall into the ground before entering the prime of his career simply because they refused to pay or spend draft resources on the position group.
Realistic Targets
Free Agency
Jamal Agnew
Tony Pollard
Boston Scott
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Let's just put this out there now - as deep a free agent class as this running back group is, the Jets will NOT be attacking some of the bigger names. They have plenty of cap space, but plenty of other holes on the roster as well.
Despite the issues a strong free-agent class like this possesses, the Jets could see plenty of names within their price range soon. Boston Scott and Jamal Agnew are all-purpose players who have enough burst to give Hall an extended period on the sideline.
Pollard, on the other hand, is a big question in this free agency cycle. He's shown an ability to dominate when working with a bellcow, but his poor season in 2023 could lower his price tag. If his cost is lowered enough, don't be surprised if the Jets try and snag him.
NFL Draft
Dylan Laube - New Hampshire
Isaiah Davis - South Dakota State
Finding a late-round back that can play at the NFL level has been something many teams search for now that the free agent pool has been oversaturated with bad contracts.
New York won't be attacking the position early in this draft but Laube and Davis are two FCS players that have graded well and could be late-round steals for the position.
Remember, the Jets don't need someone to compete with Hall, just someone who will be competent enough to run through open holes in the offensive line.
