Ben Cooper made a daring and compelling prediction for Jets
Allen Lazard has drawn the ire of New York Jets fans due to his frequent drops, costly penalties, and dismissive attitude during media sessions. Now, he risks losing his job with Gang Green.
Ben Cooper from Pro Football Focus identified an undrafted free agent from each NFL team to watch closely.
For the Jets, Cooper spotlighted former South Alabama wideout Jamaal Pritchett and made a daring prediction.
“Garrett Wilson is the unquestioned WR1 for the Jets, but the rest of the depth chart remains unsettled. That opens the door for fourth-round pick Arian Smith and several UDFAs to fight for key roles and roster spots. Pritchett’s credentials make him a compelling candidate,” Cooper stated.
“Pritchett earned an 88.1 PFF receiving grade in 2024, ranking seventh among all FBS receivers. He led college football with 759 yards after the catch. With that type of production, he could easily leapfrog Allen Lazard in the slot. Lazard, while a reliable presence, has battled persistent drop issues over his last two seasons in New York,” Cooper explained.
Lazard’s Departure Would Leave Sizeable Void
If the Jets kicked off the 2025 season today, Lazard would likely be in the starting lineup. But Cooper suggested that might not last long. If Lazard gets phased out, his absence would be noticeable—at least in size.
The former Iowa State standout has struggled to make a consistent impact since joining the Jets. Physically, however, Lazard is imposing at 6-foot-5 and 227 pounds.
By contrast, Pritchett entered the pre-draft process at 5-foot-9 and just 175 pounds, according to Dane Brugler’s “The Beast” draft guide.
Yet from his Pro Day to his arrival on the Jets’ 90-man roster, Pritchett has reportedly undergone a massive transformation.
The Jets now list him at 235 pounds—a staggering 60-pound jump in a short span. While the accuracy of that number remains questionable, adding mass could help him withstand the NFL’s physicality.
At his Pro Day, Pritchett clocked a blazing 4.42-second 40-yard dash, per Brugler. That time would have tied for ninth fastest among wide receivers at the 2025 NFL Combine.
Whether Pritchett can maintain that speed with added weight remains a key question. If he can, the extra size boosts his value. If not, it may compromise the explosiveness that makes him unique.
Jets Wide Receiver Room Offers Opportunity
The Jets’ wide receiver corps remains wide open for competition.
Wilson will dominate targets as the team’s clear-cut No. 1 option. But the door is wide open for another receiver to emerge.
Pritchett began his college career at Division II Tuskegee, recording 29 catches for 528 yards and three touchdowns.
He then transferred to South Alabama, where he played 33 games and compiled 150 receptions for 2,034 yards and 17 touchdowns over three seasons.
In a press release, the Jets highlighted Pritchett’s standout final season: “A first-team All-Sun Belt performer, Pritchett led the conference with 1,126 receiving yards. He broke the school record with 91 catches—25 more than the next closest receiver—and posted five games with 10 or more receptions.”
