The New York Jets drafted seven players in the 2025 NFL Draft, but an undrafted rookie is making waves in OTAs. A panel of Jets reporters were recently asked which Jet has stood out during voluntary OTAs, and the press had high praise for Jamaal Pritchett.
“Undrafted free agent WR Jamaal Pritchett has made a few splash plays in the three open practices and has been in the rotation at punt returner,” Jets team reporter Ethan Greenberg said.
Pritchett spent his entire three year college career at South Alabama, primarily as a wide receiver. Pritchett led the Sun Belt in 2024 in both receptions (91) and receiving yards (1,127). Pritchett also scored nine touchdowns in the receiving game.
Pritchett also has special teams experience, where he has truly shined in OTAs. In 2024, Pritchett returned 12 punts for 183 yards, including one touchdown.
ESPN's Rich Cimini also had high praise for the undrafted rookie, calling him an "early sleeper" to keep an eye on.
“A rookie to watch is punt returner Jamaal Pritchett, an undrafted free agent from South Alabama. He’s ‘doing a phenomenal job,’ according to special teams coordinator Chris Banjo,” Cimini revealed in a column.
“Pritchett is 5-8, 175 pounds, but he has 4.42-second speed in the 40-yard dash. He scored once last season on a punt return. Incumbent Xavier Gipson is the favorite to win the job, but expect the rookie to push him,” Cimini added.
Pritchett's best shot at earning a roster spot is on special teams, and it's Gipson's job he'll be after. Gipson, a former undrafted free agent himself, made the Jets' roster two years ago due to his special teams prowess. Pritchett will be looking to make a similar impact, with even more physical tools.
“I told those guys, it really doesn’t matter where you’re from, even what you did,” head coach Aaron Glenn explained via Jets senior contributor Randy Lange. “The thing is, they all have done a great job to get in the building. And once you get in the building, you have a shot.”
Glenn isn't the only Jets coach to take notice of Pritchett. Special teams' coordinator Chris Banjo spoke about Pritchett during OTAs last week.
"We brought in a young guy in Pritchett, he has been doing a phenomenal job back there [returning kicks] for us,” said Banjo.