2025 New York Jets RB room
New York Jets
The entire New York Jets running back group ahead of training camp in 2025.
The New York Jets are bringing back the ground and pound philosophy in 2025.
For that identity to work, the Jets are going to need some of their running backs to step up to the plate.
There are three roster locks at the position: Breece Hall, Braelon Allen, and Isaiah Davis.
Hall is the straw that stirs the drink. He has been the bell-cow through his first three seasons in the NFL. He has a tremendous amount of pressure on his shoulders entering the final year of his rookie contract.
Allen and Davis are second-year players who showed some chutzpah with their limited opportunities in 2024. Head coach Aaron Glenn has taken a liking to both players during their short time together.
How Many RBs Will the Jets Keep on the 53-Man Roster?
It’s an impossible question to answer. A new coaching staff and front office are taking over at 1 Jets Drive.
Last year, the Detroit Lions kept four running backs on the initial 53-man roster. For what it’s worth, the Denver Broncos also kept four RBs on the initial 53-man roster.
However, it’s hard to pull legitimate information from those decisions because Aaron Glenn was the defensive coordinator, and Darren Mougey was the assistant general manager. Neither were the final decision makers at their old jobs.
It’s safe to say there will be at least four running backs on the 53-man roster, so that leaves at least one job up for grabs during training camp.
On the 91-man roster, the Jets have six running backs on the squad.
Kene Nwangwu is listed as a running back, but he has only had 27 carries in his four-year career to date. Nwangwu is more so known for his abilities on special teams and specifically in the return game.
The former Iowa State product was a second-team All-Pro return man back in 2022 as a member of the Minnesota Vikings.
A Pair of Youngsters Worth Watching in Training Camp
Zach Evans, 24, entered the league as the No. 215 overall pick in the sixth round by the Los Angeles Rams in the 2023 NFL draft.
Evans made the roster as a rookie, but only contributed nine attempts for 19 rushing yards across 10 games. The former Ole Miss product did get some run on special teams, appearing in 19% of the snaps.
He joined the Jets’ practice squad on December 17 and then signed a reserve/future contract in January.
The youngster that is creating plenty of buzz is former Michigan star Donovan Edwards.
The BIGGEST winner from the #Jets 3-day rookie minicamp was UDFA RB Donovan Edwards.
He flashed, dazzled, & has a clear path to making the 53-man roster in the coming months.
Edwards is going to continue to make a TON of noise! #JetUp https://t.co/zAQjT5P08q
— Paul Andrew Esden Jr (@BoyGreen25) May 12, 2025
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Edwards joined the Jets as an undrafted free agent in April. This was a talented player who was expected to be a top pick after his 2022 season with the Wolverines. He finished with 991 rushing yards, he averaged 7.1 yards per carry, and scored nine total touchdowns.
However, Edwards’ final two seasons with Michigan were underwhelming both visually and statistically. It is early, but through the spring, Edwards has turned some heads and was recently crowned a winner out of rookie minicamp by Jets reporter Nick Faria.