Jets rookie is closer to prove the NFL wrong for not drafting him with a role that will increase his value for the team

The New York Jets are restarting to build their roster. At this moment of the process, the most important thing is to find and keep building blocks. The second most important is to add value in the margins, and this is where undrafted rookie Jamaal Pritchett can become a valuable piece.

After a season at Tuskegee and two at South Alabama, he didn't get drafted in large part because he is undersized. However, the rookie has shown he can be an impactful element on special teams as a punt returner.

"We brought in a young guy in Pritchett," special teams coordinator Chris Banjo said. "He has been doing a phenomenal job back there for us."

ESPN's Rich Cimini has mentioned Pritchett as "rookie to watch," and team reporter Ethan Greenberg mentioned that the rookie made a "few splash plays in the three open practices."

The rookie will still have a hard time to make the 53-man roster, especially because the Jets have a reliable and versatile returner in Xavier Gipson, who can play on both punt and kickoff return. However, Pritchett's ability as a special teamer can at least put him in a favorable position to compete for a practice squad spot.

College career

Curiously, Jamaal Pritchett was not exactly known for his special teams production in college. Throughout his three years at South Alabama, he had 17 punt returns — 12 of them last year, getting 15.3 yards per return. He only had two kickoff returns, none of them in 2024.

As a real wide receiver, though, Pritchett was impressively productive in two seasons as a starter. Last year alone, he had 91 receptions for 1,127 yards and nine touchdowns.

For an undrafted rookie, any area of the game is important to make an impression and generate new opportunities. Jamaal Pritchett showed in college he can be an intriguing offensive prospect, and is showing early in his Jets' tenure that he can be a valuable special teamer.

Despite the competition for spots at this time of the year, the Jets can keep a promising and flexible piece to gain value from a place nobody was expecting.