The preseason is a time for rookies and under-the-radar players to make a name for themselves and perhaps carve out roles on NFL rosters. That’s exactly what NY Jets running back Braelon Allen did for himself on Saturday.

The Jets knocked off the Washington Commanders in a thrilling 20-17 preseason battle on Saturday, and Allen emerged as one of the team’s most notable standouts. His performance helped lead the Jets to a victory in their preseason opener.

Allen received the start with Breece Hall sitting out, finishing the game with 54 yards on just six carries. He also excelled as a pass blocker and looked the part as a receiver, although his lone catch was called back due to an ineligible man downfield.

Although he played just one half of football, Allen did more to improve his stock than only any other player on the roster. The Wisconsin product entered the game as the de facto frontrunner for the RB2 job and he came away as the resounding favorite to earn that role this summer.

It’s always important not to overreact to preseason performances, especially when we have just one half of a sample size to use as our basis of judgement. But it’s hard not to be impressed with what Allen did on Saturday. In short, he looked like he belonged.

Allen showed excellent awareness on a scramble drill in the first quarter, breaking out of his route and finding space in the defense, allowing Tyrod Taylor to find him for what would have been an important third-down pickup if not for the aforementioned penalty.

That may seem small, but it was a veteran move from the youngest player in the NFL. Combine that with his outstanding pass-blocking reps and it’s easy to come to the conclusion that Allen is as NFL-ready as any running back in this year’s draft class.

The Jets are putting a lot of faith in their young running backs behind Hall. The team’s projected second and third-string running backs, Allen and fellow rookie Isaiah Davis, have yet to appear in an NFL game.

But the Jets believe in Allen’s ability to contribute right away, and his performance on Saturday will go a long way toward solidifying that belief.

The Jets don’t need Allen to be a game-breaking offensive talent. They need him to be a rock-solid complement to Hall, who can be trusted in short-yardage situations and in pass protection. They didn’t get that last year from Dalvin Cook and Israel Abanikanda. Allen is proving he can fill that role very effectively.

Perhaps Hall and Allen could be the star running back duo many Jets fans expected Hall and Cook to be going into the 2024 season. At the very least, Allen absolutely looked the part in his preseason debut. That has to be very encouraging for the Jets’ coaching staff.