The Jets began Saturday’s final day of the NFL Draft with three selections in the fourth round.
But after a flurry of trades, Gang Green had just one pick in the round and used it on Wisconsin running back Braelon Allen with the 134th overall pick.
Despite being only 20, Allen was very productive during his three seasons with the Badgers. He registered 3,494 yards and 35 touchdowns and averaged 5.9 yards per carry. That includes last year when Allen gained 984 yards and scored 12 touchdowns on the ground.
At 6-1, 235 pounds, Allen patterns his game after former Titans and current Ravens running back Derrick Henry. He is a one-cut-and-go running back with tremendous power. Allen is also a downhill runner who is physical and loves to punish and run over defenders.
“That’s what I will bring to the Jets,” Allen said. “Physical, downhill runner. I’m more and willing in pass protection, and I’m also able to run routes and catch the ball.
“I think I’m a well-rounded back.”
His vision, or lack thereof, is why he fell to Round 4.
Too often, Allen missed wide-open cutback lanes. His ball security has also been questioned. He carried the football away from his body, which led to fumbles.
With the addition of Allen, the Jets have a young but talented backfield with Breece Hall and Israel Abanikanda, who they drafted in the fifth round last year.
Hall was one of the best all-purpose running backs in the NFL in 2023. He rushed for 994 yards and five touchdowns for the Jets and caught 76 passes for 591 yards and four touchdowns.
The Jets’ first trade of the fourth round was with the Packers, which moved them back to 126th overall and netted them an extra sixth-round pick. Then, the Jets traded the 126th pick to the Lions for a 2025 third-round pick. Finally, the Jets traded the 129th overall pick with the 49ers for two 2024 fifth-round picks (No. 173 and No. 176).
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