New York Jets general manager Joe Douglas has built a roster full of exciting young talent on both sides of the football, in hopes that former MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers can guide the franchise and its youthful core back to relevancy and a legitimate Super Bowl chase.
Look no further than a defense that held opponents to just 15.8 points per game last season, headlined by the likes of cornerback Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner, Jermaine Johnson, Quinnen Williams, and D.J. Reed, among others, who developed into one of the league’s stingiest units despite carrying a virtually non-existent offense in 2023 as evidence of Douglas’ talent acquisition prowess.
Meanwhile, offensively, in recent years the Jets have added dynamic wide receiver Garrett Wilson, while drafting tackles Olu Fashanu and Alijah Vera-Tucker, in recent years.
However, one of the Jets’ young stars has quickly developed a reputation among evaluators inside the league as one of the premier players at his position.
New York Jets’ Breece Hall Garnering High Praise from NFL Executives
Perhaps Douglas’ most impressive selection, given the value of the position and his explosive upside, is running back Breece Hall.
In Jeremy Fowler’s annual survey of NFL executives, coaches, and scouts on the best players at each position, Hall ranked second behind only San Francisco 49ers star Christian McCaffrey.
“Natural rusher with acceleration through the hole,” a high-ranking NFL official told Fowler. “He’s got power and can create his own shot by making someone miss.”
Last season, after returning from a torn ACL suffered in 2022, Hall exploded back onto the scene by rushing for 994 yards with five rushing touchdowns as a focal point of the Jets’ offense. Hall also added 591 receiving yards.
“Legit dual-threat, a glider with high-level change of direction and vision,” an NFL personnel evaluator told Fowler. “Home run hitter with the ball in his hands. Can grind volume, create explosives at any moment.”
Given that Hall now gets to run behind an offensive line anchored by All-Pro Tyron Smith, and presumably with Aaron Rodgers fully healthy for the 2024 campaign, it’s easy to see why given his skill-set this upcoming season could solidify his place among the game’s elite backs.
