Now that the NFL Scouting Combine has concluded, teams will now begin meeting with prospects in their own facilities. This is an important part of the process for some teams as they can get a good feel for the players’ personalities as well as any potential medical red flags. The Jets are set to begin this process with a member of the reigning National Champions: Kaelon Black.
About Kaelon Black
Kaelon Black has played six seasons at the collegiate level including four for JMU and two for the Hoosiers. Despite playing for so long, Black didn’t truly break out until this past season. In 2025, he racked up 1,034 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns en route to a National Championship. Black possesses a compact frame, standing at 5’9″ and weighing 208 pounds. Because his small stature is so filled-out, he’s able to create extra yards after contact consistently. He averaged 3.47 yards after contact per attempt, which ranked 12th out of players in this class with at least 153 attempts.
The aspect of Black’s game that teams will love the most about him is his pass blocking prowess. Black consistently takes on blitzers with zero fear. He is aggressive in his efforts of protecting his QB. With fine tuning to his technique from NFL coaches, he could develop into one of the better pass protecting runningbacks in football. This is a valuable asset and one that teams will covet. All of this stands out in this series of clips:
Kaelon Black has improved his draft stock in the playoffs. Doesn't have great breakaway speed, but excellent vision & patience, plus some key blocks in pass pro pic.twitter.com/DuTfXu426q
— James Foster (@NoFlagsFilm) January 12, 2026
His Fit in New York
Breece Hall Free Agency
Dec 28, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets running back Breece Hall (20) runs for a touchdown against New England Patriots safety Brenden Schooler (41) during the second half of the game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Because Black’s trump card is pass protection, his fit with the Jets would be as a 3rd down back. The issue with this is that the Jets already have a good 3rd down back in Isaiah Davis. He himself is a solid pass protector and adds receiving upside as well, something that Kaelon Black does not. They also already have a powerful runner in Braelon Allen. He’s coming off of a season-ending knee injury, but Allen (22 years old) is much younger than Black (24 years old, will be 25 in October). Finally, the Jets already have their RB1 locked in for 2026 in Breece Hall, who signed the franchise tag on March 3rd. This locks him in for 2026 as the Jets look to agree to terms with him on an extension. Overall, Kaelon Black wouldn’t make sense for the Jets.
Tagged: As the Jets and RB Breece Hall continue to try to hammer out a lucrative long-term deal, New York is placing the $14.293 million franchise tag on its standout running back, per sources. The tag is designed as a placeholder until the two sides can reach agreement. pic.twitter.com/e9xqE4vGiR
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 3, 2026
Stay tuned for more news on Top 30 visits as the clock continues to tick until the 2026 NFL Draft!
Main Image: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images