Former Wisconsin and current New York Jets running back Braelon Allen landed on ProFootballFocus’ recent list of second-year players poised for increased roles during the 2025 NFL season.

Allen joined the Jets before the 2024 season as the No. 134 pick of the 2024 NFL draft. The Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, native was listed as a potential second-year breakout alongside tackle Patrick Paul (Miami Dolphins), guard Kingsley Suamataia (Kansas City Chiefs), edge Jalyx Hunt (Philadelphia Eagles), wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (San Francisco 49ers), guard Christian Mahogany (Detroit Lions), running back Jaylen Wright (Miami Dolphins), wide receiver Roman Wilson (Pittsburgh Steelers), tackle Blake Fisher (Houston Texans) and defensive lineman Darius Robinson (Arizona Cardinals).

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Interestingly, the former Badger is only one of three offensive playmakers to earn a spot on the list. The UW alumnus tallied 92 carries for 334 yards and two rushing touchdowns as a rookie in 2024, in addition to 148 receiving yards and a receiving score in a complementary role to starter Breece Hall in the backfield.

Yes, Allen's production was held back by his No. 2 role behind Hall, but his productivity suggests that his workload could increase this coming season. Here's what PFF had to say about Allen ahead of the 2025 slate:

"Allen impressed in his rookie campaign with the Jets, earning an 82.0 PFF rushing grade across 92 rushing attempts, and he did so as the youngest active player (20 years old) in the NFL. Breece Hall is expected to remain the lead back in New York, but the arrow is pointing up on Allen’s outlook this season. Ball security is always a big factor when it comes to playing time for running backs. Last season, Allen didn’t fumble once, whereas Hall was charged with six. Although Hall’s production is above average, it has steadily declined over the past two seasons when it comes to yards per carry and yards after contact per attempt after an electric start to his career. With Hall set to become a free agent in 2026, it would not be a surprise to see the Jets give Allen a bigger role in his second season. First-year offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand worked under Ben Johnson in Detroit and figures to bring his run-first mentality to the Jets, something that bodes well for Allen in his second season."

Plus, Allen did all of his work in 2024 with four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers under center for the Jets in 2024. With Rodgers in Pittsburgh, the Jets now turn to former Steeler Justin Fields -- a dynamic, dual-threat passer -- at quarterback.

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Fields' ability to run as a quarterback puts pressure on opposing defenses, naturally enabling Allen to become an even bigger threat in what could morph into a run-heavy offense. The Jets open the season against the Steelers on Sept. 7 in New York.

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This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: Wisconsin football great Braelon Allen on PFF breakout candidate list