Jets expected to draft ‘first off the board’ in unexpected position – Home

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Getty Iowa State running back prospect Breece Hall at the 2022 NFL combine.

When the New York Jets drafted two Michael Carters in 2021, it was unheard of, but a recent Bleacher Report prediction might bring back flashbacks.

In a bit of a surprise, NFL analyst Kristopher Knox landed running back Breece Hall at Florham Park with the 35th pick in the draft, pairing him with the aforementioned Carter the running back. The Iowa State product was the first ball carrier off the board in this scenario.

Of course, the Jets also employ a cornerback named Bryce Hall, in case the team’s GMs don’t have enough to worry about already.

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Hall gives NYJ ‘one of the best backfields in the AFC East’

Per Bleacher Report, Hall ranks second among all drivers in the 2022 class behind Michigan State product Kenneth Walker III, but Knox likes him as a better option for Gang Green.

“Hall combines legitimate double-threat potential with size (5’11 ¼”, 217 lbs) and vision, making him a true three-down threat,” Knox detailed. “Last season, Hall had 1,472 rushing yards, 302 receiving yards and a combined 23 touchdowns for the Cyclones.”

He reasoned further:

The New York Jets appear to have found a solid back after taking Michael Carter from North Carolina in the fourth round of the 2021 draft. Carter finished his rookie campaign with 639 rushing yards, 325 receiving yards and four touchdowns. Pairing Hall with Carter — and complementary running back Tevin Coleman — would give New York one of the best backfields in the AFC East and help second-year quarterback Zach Wilson.

Iowa State RB Breece Hall, who is in Houston today to visit the #Texans, is my

BR 2:

•Vision •Multiple Reduction•Power•Agility

While Hall doesn’t have long speed, he makes the most of every play and is hard to take down. Potential pick at 37 pic.twitter.com/XasyFHxjwj

— Drew (@IndepthTexans) April 13, 2022

There’s no denying that Hall could help this offense, but should the Jets spend a second-round pick on a running back when they have much greater needs on both sides of the football? When he was healthy, Carter looked like a starter during his rookie campaign, and even backups (Coleman, Austin Walter and Ty Johnson) had moments of success from him.

Offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur wants to run the ball, it’s a staple of this offense. That being said, GM Joe Douglas doesn’t seem to overvalue the position, selecting Carter and breaking La’Mical Perine in the fourth round during his first two drafts.

The Jets’ general manager also hasn’t allocated much money to the position in free agency, so it’s hard to believe that will change in April 2022. Like the San Francisco 49ers, the NYJ running game has more than more with the system and the offensive line than it is with the man with the football.

That part is supposed to be tradable, just as it was in 2021. If the Jets add to their backfield in the draft, it’s more likely to happen later.

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Draft Expert joins Knox

Ironically, ESPN’s NFL draft pundit Mel Kiper Jr. was on the same page with Knox during his latest drill that was released this morning on April 13, except he sent Hall to New York three picks later in the #38

“Day 2 is when teams should be taking running backs,” he explained, “and the Jets would be getting the clear advantage in this class. Hall can do it all, from forcing missed tackles to catching passes. If the Jets really want to help Zach Wilson, they should take Hall.”

The Iowa State corridor was without a doubt the hot topic of the morning. Not long after Knox’s article and Kiper’s taunt, NFL insider Tom Pelissero was tweeting about Hall.

Iowa State RB Breece Hall is in Houston today for a visit with the #Texans, according to the source.

Hall, who could be the first to withdraw from the draft, has already visited the #Commanders, #Giants and #Bills. Houston has three of the top 37 picks.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 13, 2022

He noted: “Iowa State RB Breece Hall is in Houston today for a visit with the #Texans, according to the source. Hall, who could be the first to withdraw from the draft, has already visited the #Commanders, #Giants and #Bills. Houston has three of the top 37 picks.”

The Jets haven’t passed a top-30 visit to Hall at this point.

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