NFL analyst's choice for Jets' top MVP candidate might surprise you

It's been an offseason of big changes for the New York Jets. 

After a disappointing 5-12 season in 2024, the team parted ways future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers, and brought in a new general manager and coaching staff. 

Now, the team is hoping that another new regime will finally be able to turn things around. Justin Fields was brought in to be the quarterback, and Armand Membou was drafted in the first round to give the team a potentially elite right tackle. 

Some other notable moves were re-signing standout linebacker Jamien Sherwood, and adding Andre Cisco and Brandon Stephens to the secondary. 

Brandon Austin of Pro Football Network recently identified an MVP candidate for each NFL team. For the Jets, many would probably expect Garrett Wilson, Quinnen Williams, or Sauce Gardner to be the pick. 

However, Austin went with a surprising selection- running back Breece Hall. 

Regarding Hall's 2025 outlook, Austin offered the following: 

Fields will get another chance in New York, but the offense should lean heavily on Breece Hall in 2025. While he’s yet to rush for 1,000 yards in a season (falling six yards short in 2023), Hall can impact the game in multiple ways. He’s a true receiving threat, with 1,292 receiving yards and eight receiving touchdowns in his first three seasons.

Hall has topped 1,300 scrimmage yards in back-to-back years, after playing just seven games as a rookie. He ranked 21st among all backs in touches per game in 2024 (16.6), but the Jets could move to a more run-heavy approach. Fields and Braelon Allen may take some touches, but Hall remains the most proven weapon outside of Garrett Wilson.

As Austin mentioned, Hall is likely to be among the top targets on the offense and can impact the run game and pass attack. 

In 2024, Hall played in 16 games and rushed for 876 yards and five touchdowns. The running back also caught 57 passes for 483 yards and three more scores, showing his ability to be a weapon in both phases. 

However, Hall was a still a surprising MVP pick considering the former second-round pick has yet to fully break out in the league. Hall was held to just seven games in his rookie season and has yet to eclipse 1,000 rushing yards in a season. 

Additionally, the running back has been heavily featured in trade rumors this offseason. This is due to Hall entering the final year of his contract and a thinking that the Jets could prefer to give more carries to 2024 fourth-round pick Braelon Allen.  

Even if the Jets do keep Hall around, there's no guarantee he fully breaks out in 2025. Fields is a dual-threat quarterback who makes plays with his legs, and Wilson is one of the best young receivers in the league. 

Still, there's no denying Hall is an impactful player when healthy. If the running back is on the team, expect him to play a big role in 2025.