The Jets have picked up receiver Aundrae Allison off waivers from Minnesota.
The New York Jets have claimed WR Aundrae Allison off waivers from Minnesota and waived WR Mario Urrutia. The announcement was made by Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum. Allison (6‘0", 198) was drafted by Minnesota in the fifth round (146th overall) of the 2007 NFL draft. In his two seasons with the Vikings, he recorded 18 receptions for 231 yards. In his rookie season, he set a Vikings record with the longest play in team history, a 104-yard kickoff-return touchdown against Detroit on Dec. 2, 2007.
For a scouting report, we turn to SB Nation's Vikings blog, Daily Norseman.
Yes, in a move that comes as a bit of a surprise. . .to me, anyway. . .the Vikings waived WR Aundrae Allison this afternoon after being unable to work out a trade for him. Allison, the Vikings' 5th round selection in 2007 out of East Carolina University, has long had a reputation as an outstanding athlete with great speed. Unfortunately, he also had a reputation for having a lousy work ethic and for having a bit of an attitude problem.
If I had to guess, the latter is the reason that he now finds himself unemployed.
There was obviously a catch. If the Jets were able to pick this guy up for cheap, there had to be some issues. Still, I'm for this one. There's no risk involved. This is a high ceiling acquisition at a position of need. The Jets surely can use a receiver with speed to stretch the field. Maybe this staff can reach him in a way Minnesota's couldn't. Maybe after his first team sent him packing, something will click, and he will start taking the game seriously knowing he might not get a third chance. If not, the Jets can just drop him.
This affects all of the receivers under Jerricho Cotchery on the depth chart. It creates another competitor. If one guy should be a little more concerned than the others, it's David Clowney since Allison also possesses his signature attribute, speed. Jerricho Cotchery is a lock to make the roster as the number one receiver. So is Chansi Stuckey who is proven in the slot if nothing else. Brad Smith and Wallace Wright are too valuable on special teams to cut. If the Jets only want to keep five receivers, it probably will be a battle between Clowney and Allison.