Michael Carter’s standout rookie season didn’t deter the Jets from forming a two-headed monster in their backfield during the 2022 NFL draft.
New York surprised many by selecting Iowa State’s Breece Hall with the 36th pick. Running back didn’t jump off the page as a need for the Jets after what Carter accomplished as a neophyte, but Joe Douglas deemed Hall dynamic enough to pursue him in an effort to give Zach Wilson a new playmaker to utilize.
Let’s take a closer look at what Hall brings to the Big Apple with seven things to know.
Strong NFL bloodlines
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Playing running back is in Hall’s blood. Hall’s cousin is three-time Super Bowl champion Roger Craig. The four-time pro bowler was the first player in NFL history to rush for 1,000 yards and register 1,000 receiving yards in the same season. Naturally, Hall is a do-it-all running back with a similar dual-threat skill set.
NFL ties in the household
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Craig wasn’t the only NFL player Hall grew up around. His stepfather was Jeff Smith, who was a 10th round pick of the Chiefs in the 1985 NFL draft and spent four years as a backup running back with Kansas City and the Buccaneers. Hall wore No. 28 at Iowa State to honor his stepfather. That tradition won’t continue with the Jets, as Curtis Martin’s No. 28 is retired by the team.
Record setter
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Just how good was Hall at Iowa State? He didn’t fumble the ball during his time with the Cyclones and set an FBS record by rushing for at least one touchdown in 24 straight games. That streak will carry over to the NFL when Hall takes the field for the Jets in Week 1.
Willing workhorse
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Hall was the focal point of Iowa State’s offense and he embraced the heavy workload that came…