Ex-Teammate, Packers Running Back Says Jets Have 'Next Derrick Henry'
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The New York Jets drafted Braelon Allen in the fourth round of last year's NFL Draft, and he has a chance to break out in his sophomore season.
Last year, Allen had 334 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns in 92 attempts. He and Breece Hall figure to both play a role this season in the Jets offense, now being led by Justin Fields.
Allen was a superstar for the Wisconsin Badgers and has always been praised for his athleticism. One of his former teammates, Israel Abanikanda, will be suiting up against him on Saturday as a member of the Green Bay Packers.
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 08: Braelon Allen #0 of the New York Jets warms up prior to playing a game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on December 08, 2024 in Miami...
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 08: Braelon Allen #0 of the New York Jets warms up prior to playing a game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on December 08, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida. MoreAbanikanda was drafted by the Jets in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, but was waived in December of last season. He shared some time with Allen and had the ultimate praise for him.
"Braelon gonna be a great running back," Abanikanda said, per WFRV's Kyle Malzhan. "To me, I don't know what people say; I say he can be the next Derrick Henry. That's what I say, and that's what I told him."
Henry is putting together a Hall of Fame career behind his rare combination of size and speed. Allen does not quite stack up to Henry's size, but he does have a great combination of size and speed.
Henry is a five-time Pro Bowler, former All-Pro and the 2020 AP Offensive Player of the Year. He has over 11,000 yards in nine seasons and has led the league in rushing touchdowns three times. If Allen can turn into that kind of player for the Jets, the team will have no problem moving the ball this season.
More NFL: Bills Predicted to Cut Son of Legendary Former Running Back, Future Hall of Famer
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