NEW YORK — The Jets made another draft day trade to select Iowa State running back Breece Hall.
Gang Green swapped picks with the Giants to the No. 36 overall pick and gave up the Nos. 38 and 146 overall picks to select Hall.
“Man, it felt like it took forever. But now that it happened, I’m so happy.” Hall said. “I’m blessed to be a Jet. I’m happy for the opportunity to be a part of this organization and help build up his organization.”
Hall rushed for 3,941 yards and 50 touchdowns in his college career. He sees himself as a running back with little holes in his game as Jets nation should expect a playmaking running back who can do it all.
“A three-down back. A guy who can catch the ball, make people miss, run you over and somebody that plays hard,” Hall said. “And a person who’s just as good off the field as he is on the field. So, a guy who’s going to impact the community and just be more than a football player.”
Hall is viewed as one of the best backs in the draft. He has good tempo when toting the rock by being patient and letting the holes open. Once the lanes are created, he has the vision and acceleration to hit the hole to produce explosive plays. He’s an every-down back as he’s good in pass protection and is a solid threat in the passing game with 82 career receptions.
The combination of Iowa State standout’s ability and Jets offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur’s scheme should work well. There’s countless running backs who’ve produced in this offensive system, something Hall is excited about.
“I just know it’s really running back friendly,” Hall said. “So just being able to touch the ball a lot and have a lot of opportunity, that’s all I need.”
This selection provides another backfield weapon to pair with Michael Carter, which should make Zach Wilson’s life easier.
The pairing of Hall and Carter can become a thunder and lightning tandem as Carter can be the shifty scat back while Hall can be the inside-the-tackle bruiser. Hall’s studied Carter since his college days and can’t wait to get into the building and learn from the second year running back.
“Just seeing what he did last year and seeing what he did at North Carolina, I got to watch his game a lot,” Hall said. “Just watching how he’s a bruiser, but he can also make you miss. So, I think I can come in and compliment him really well. And I can’t wait to get in there and just learn from him.”
The Jets have made it clear they want to be a physical run first offense. They signed guard Laken Tomlinson along with the tight end duo of Tyler Conklin and C.J Uzomah, all capable of being a factor in the run game.
The adding of Hall along with the other offseason additions should take pressure off Wilson as he goes into his second year.
