Braelon Allen has a chance to make history for the New York Jets
The 2024 NFL season is rapidly approaching, and the New York Jets have dreams of making a deep playoff run. New York’s rookie class will be a crucial piece of that pursuit.
Rookie running back Braelon Allen, chosen in the fourth round, is poised to play one of the largest roles among New York’s seven-player draft class. Drafted for his large frame and physical playstyle, he displayed excellent vision and receiving ability during OTA and minicamp practices. Going into training camp, Allen appears to be the favorite for the No. 2 running back role.
If Allen can secure that backup running back spot, he will be in a prime position to make history.
Born on January 20, 2004, Allen was the youngest player selected in the 2024 NFL draft. This fall, he will have an opportunity to become the youngest player in the Super Bowl era to score a touchdown.
Currently, the youngest player to score a touchdown is JuJu Smith-Schuster, who is now with the New England Patriots. In the second game of the 2017 season, Smith-Schuster made history by scoring a touchdown on his first career reception. At the time, Smith-Schuster was only 20 years and 299 days old.
Allen will be 20 years and 233 days old when the Jets face the 49ers in Week 1. To break Smith-Schuster’s record, Allen will have to score a touchdown by the end of the Jets’ Week 10 game against the Arizona Cardinals. Since the Jets do not have their bye until Week 12, Allen will have 10 games to break the record.
Allen should have several opportunities to find the end zone. His frame and overall power make him an enticing goal-line option. Behind an improved Jets offensive line, Allen should be very effective in short-yardage situations.
Time will tell if Allen can etch his name in the history books.
