The New York Jets already boast one of the NFL’s deeper backfields but don’t overlook Braelon Allen as training camp unfolds.
Breece Hall remains the headliner after earning a contract extension. Isaiah Davis, Kene Nwangwu, fullback Andrew Beck and undrafted rookies Chip Trayanum and Sam Scott round out a talented group. Allen, however, may be one of the more intriguing names in the room.
Allen’s rookie season showed flashes. Year 2 ended after four games and 18 carries. An MCL injury cut short what appeared to be a promising campaign.
Now healthy, Allen believes training camp has finally reached the point where his game can shine. After the Jets’ recent padded practice, Allen didn’t hide his excitement. He believes the pads reveal his strengths
“That’s where my game comes to life,” Allen said. “I knew exactly what I needed to do… I’m ready to go.”
The 6-foot-1, 235-pound running back has always been at his best running through contact and wearing down defenders, traits that are difficult to showcase during the early non-contact portion of training camp, but once the pads come on, it stands out.
Allen also explained that he entered the offseason with a clear understanding of what he needed to improve.
His confidence has been matched by the coaching staff’s praise. Head coach Aaron Glenn offered a telling assessment.
“He’s everything I imagined,” Glenn told reporters.
Allen’s combination of size, physicality and renewed health gives New York another dimension to deploy. If his early momentum continues once the preseason begins, the conversation surrounding the Jets’ backfield may expand from having one featured runner to having one of the NFL’s most complete rushing rotations.
For more from Allen, see the attached clips below:
This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: How Braelon Allen has stood out at Jets training camp
Reporting by Geoffrey A Knox, Jets Wire / Jets Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Geoffrey A Knox, Jets Wire | USA TODAY Network
