Breece Hall has been known to be an impressive figure for the New York Jets for some time now. However, not many have been quick to name the running back on the short list of players at his position.
That said, one set of analysts have put only one name between Hall and the top ranking at the position in the NFL. Writing in a Pro Football Network article, the staff agreed that Hall is the second-best running back in the league. Here’s how they put it:
“Despite returning from a torn ACL, Breece Hall established himself as one of the top running backs in the NFL last season. Hall fell just short of 1,000 rushing yards, yet he showcased his dual-threat ability with 76 receptions for 591 yards and four touchdowns. He should take another step in 2024, thanks to the return of Aaron Rodgers in New York.”
The only player that was ranked above Hall was San Francisco 49ers superstar Christian McCaffrey.
It appears that much of the ranking hinged on the prediction that Hall is going to get better this season thanks to Aaron Rodgers. Of course, this prediction assumes that Aaron Rodgers will remain healthy in 2024 in direct contrast to 2023 when he missed the entire season.
Jets’ Breece Hall needs help to reach first career 1000-yard season
On top of that, the prediction implies that Rodgers can stretch the field more than Zach Wilson could. With Rodgers on the wrong side of 40, this might be a bigger leap than it seems. This might be true early in the season, but if he can’t, defenses will start to play against the run much more in 2024. They will also play closer to the line of scrimmage.
If Rodgers can stretch the field and force defenders to play deeper, that allows more time for Hall to sprint upfield before getting tackled. It also assumes that the offensive line can play at a higher level after the Jets’ offseason additions in that area.
Hall has yet to earn his first 1000-yard season, although his production doubled from 2022 to 2023. That said, his yards per carry average took a step back, dropping from 5.8 to 4.5, per Pro Football Reference. If nothing else, his yards per carry cannot take another similar regression. If it does, he could be on the bubble in 2025.
Will Breece Hall morph into one of the league’s top running backs?
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