Rookie Spotlight: Allen Lazard, Iowa State University

Height: 6’ 4 1/2” (official)

Weight: 225 lbs (official)

Hands:  9 3/4”

Arm: 32 1/4”

40 yard dash: 4.55 (combine)

NFL Comparison: Kelvin Benjamin

 

Pros

– extremely tall and broad

– plays inside and outside

– sharp, character guy

– among the best verticals for wrs at combine

– very physical

– effective and willing blocker

 

Cons

– trouble creating separation

– lacks explosiveness

– tight hips

 

Scouting Notes:  Lazard is a formidable size/strength combo who relies on his physicality to make plays, and it’s been very effective for him throughout his college career. A multi-year team MVP, Lazard finished just a handful of catches short of a school record in receptions, despite having exceptional speed or shiftiness. Lazard excels at tracking the ball in the air and out-muscling his defenders at the point of contact. And thought he’s not particularly effective after the catch, his height and leaping ability make his usefulness in the endzone paramount. Lazard played inside and outside with success at ISU in addition to returning punts, averaging 19.5 yards on his returns. He’s a possession guy at heart, someone who can move the chains but isn’t going to break many ankles or outrun many corners. His skill set would work well at the tight end position, as he’s an adept blocker as well, and he’s shown willingness to move to the position should he be asked to.  

 

Fantasy Outlook: Lazard showed decent speed at the Combine in addition to prowess in the vertical and broad jumps. His skills are those befitting a productive red-zone magnet in the NFL, despite the fact that he may be doing his damage from the tight end position. With what seems like a dearth in marquee pass-catching tight ends in the league, he could actually see action earlier and more often if he does make the switch. With the success of athletic ends like Evan Engram as a template for how to implement the skills of a player of Lazard’s ilk, he’ll likely be drafted on Day 3, and I think he’ll be a steal. Lazard has the work ethic to make a niche for himself in any offense and the physicality to become a force to be reckoned with in the end-zone, which means he can catch a lot of balls and score a lot of TDs, regardless if he’s putting up a ton of yardage in between.