Dec 24, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Jason Brownlee (16) scores a receiving touchdown during the first quarter against the Washington Commanders at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
It might only be OTA’s, but if the reports on Allen Lazard are accurate up to this point, Jason Brownlee may see a serious uptick in playing time this season. Lazard’s biggest issue last season was his inability to consistently secure the football.
According to Connor Hughes of SNY, Lazard had two drops in practice just the other day. So if the Jets are looking for a bigger receiver with reliable hands, Brownlee could fit the bill.
An undrafted free agent who opened eyes as a rookie during training camp, Brownlee stuck on the Jets 53-man roster and hung around all season. And while his production on the season was modest to say the least (5/56/1), there’s reason for optimism moving forward.
The lack of production as a rookie shouldn’t set off any alarm bells. After all, the Jets were such such a dysfunctional mess on offense that it would be unfair to grade any youngster in 2023. Learning the ropes with Nate Hackett calling plays while Zach Wilson, Tim Boyle and Trever Siemian were under center is far from an ideal situation.
While at Southern Miss, Brownlee flashed the ability to do exactly what Lazard has never done at any level. He showed the hands, strength and aggressiveness to go up and pull the ball down in a crowd as we highlighted here prior to the NFL draft.
Brownlee also looks to be the more explosive option compared to Lazard both on film and in measurables. While neither Brownlee nor Lazard blew anyone away with their 40 times (4.55 and 4.59 respectively), Brownlee did post better numbers in the broad and vertical jumps. According to NFL.com’s athleticism score, Brownlee posted a 75 compared to Lazard’s 64.
While Brownlee may not be as long or broad as Lazard, he still possess better hands and athleticism. When the games count in 2024, the Jets should put aside the difference in salary and get Brownlee on the field over Lazard sooner rather than later if the former Packer keeps putting the ball on the ground.