NY Jets UDFA making strong push to make roster heading into training camp

One of the biggest roster questions facing the New York Jets heading into training camp comes at wide receiver. With just a few moves at the position during the offseason, who emerges behind Garrett Wilson remains unknown.

New York currently boasts a room behind Wilson with veterans who have a clear ceiling and young pieces whose potential remains unknown. This will lead to a lot of competition during training camp, which Aaron Glenn wants, and the Jets could see a UDFA emerge.

ESPN's Rich Cimini, while breaking down Malachi Corley's murky future, noted that UDFA Jamaal Pritchett, out of South Alabama, "impressed" during spring workouts. Cimini also revealed Pritchett's special-teams ability as something the Jets like.

Pritchett will enter training camp very low on the Jets depth chart, but could carve out a role for himself if he adds a strong summer to his resume.

Jamaal Pritchett could make the NY Jets' 53-man roster

Pritchett began his collegiate career as a freshman in 2021 at Division II Tuskegee University. The wideout then transferred to South Alabama, where he spent three seasons, which included a big 2024 campaign.

In his senior season, Pritchett hauled in 91 receptions for 1,127 yards and nine touchdowns. The senior receiver led the Sun Belt conference in both receptions and yards. Pritchett's nine touchdowns also tied a school record for most in a single season.

The South Alabama product also had his most productive season as a punt returner in 2024. Pritchett returned 12 punts for 183 yards and one touchdown. This production helped lead to Pritchett being named First-Team All-Sun Belt.

Every year, under-the-radar players emerge during the spring and, more importantly, training camp. The Jets are very familiar with this over the last few seasons, especially at the receiver position.

Xavier Gipson, who could now lose his job to Pritchett, and Jason Brownlee both made the Jets as UDFAs out of camp in 2023. New York also had three UDFA defensive linemen make the team last year, with Leonard Taylor, Braiden McGregor, and Eric Watts surviving the roster cutdown.

Pritchett's special-teams ability could be his biggest benefit to making the Jets' 53-man roster. Aaron Glenn and special-teams coordinator Chris Banjo have spoken a lot about the importance of special teams and certain players needing to step up on it.

The chances of Pritchett playing a big role as a receiver in 2025 are slim, but his special-teams' prowess, similar to Gipson's in 2023, could help the Jets this season.

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