Derrick Henry is one of the best running backs in the NFL with over 11,000 career rushing yards and 106 touchdowns and counting. His rare size, at 6-foot-3 and 250-pounds, combined with his speed and athleticism make him a nightmare matchup for defenders. A former Badger and second-year running back is already drawing comparisons to the future Hall of Famer.
Former teammate and current Green Bay Packer Israel Abanikanda told WFRV's Kyle Malzhan he thinks Braelon Allen has a very high ceiling that people may not be talking about yet.
"Braelon gonna be a great running back," Abanikanda said. "To me, I don't know what people say; I say he can be the next Derrick Henry. That's what I say, and that's what I told him."
Can Braelon Allen become the next great running back in the NFL?
While the physical similarities are obvious, Allen also possesses the same sneaky speed that has made Henry nearly unstoppable. At just 21 years old, Allen is still ascending, and has the potential to reach similar heights to King Henry. Wisconsin has a long history of talented running backs in the NFL including Melvin Gordon and Jonathan Taylor, and now Allen is hoping to become the next Badger great.
The New York Jets running back is currently sharing a backfield with Breece Hall, but will have an opportunity to carve out a bigger role under a new coaching staff that prioritizes physicality. Last season as a rookie, Allen had 334 yards on 92 carries with two touchdowns. This year, his workload could potentially double if Hall doesn't perform. Allen had some struggles as a rookie, but the Jets as a whole were a bit of a disaster. Now with a new staff, he has a fresh start as a potential breakout player in 2025.
The former Badger will take on the Packers tonight in their first preseason action.