Allen Lazard

A four-year starter at Iowa State, Lazard lined up as the “X” receiver in the Cyclones’ offense and was moved all over the formation, both inside and outside, developing into the face of the program and statistically the best wideout in school history. Lazard set an Iowa State record with a catch in 48-straight games (every game he played in college), which is more impressive considering the uneven quarterback play from the Cyclones over the last four years, including catching a pass from four different quarterbacks in 2017 alone. Impressive on the hoof, Lazard has a strong, well-proportioned frame with the ball skills to win in contested situations and expand his catch radius. He competes with a playmaking attitude, but he lacks the dynamic traits to consistently separate before or after the catch, limiting his big play potential. BACKGROUND A four-star wide receiver recruit out of high school, Allen Lazard starred on both offense and defense at Urbandale, earning numerous player of the year and All-American awards as a defensive back and wide receiver – set the school-records for catches (105), touchdowns (34) and interceptions (14). He was ranked as the No. 1 recruit in the state of Iowa and a top-25 recruit nationally, drawing scholarship offers from Notre Dame, Stanford and several others. However, Lazard followed his father and older brother and signed with Iowa State, becoming one of the highest-rated recruits in school history. Lazard started the final 11 games as a true freshman and recorded 45 catches for 593 yards and three scores, earning Big-12 All-Freshman honors. He led the team in receiving as a sophomore and posted 56 catches for 808 yards and six scores, earning All-Big 12 Honorable Mention honors. Lazard again led the team in receiving as a junior with a career-high 1,018 receiving yards, adding 69 receptions and seven touchdowns to earn First Team All-Big 12 honors. He returned for his senior season and led the team in receiving for the third straight season, finishing with a personal-best 71 receptions and 10 touchdown grabs (Cyclones single season record) to earn First Team All-Big 12 honors for the second straight year."

in our view

Lazard’s ordinary athleticism will make it tough for him to uncover from NFL defenders, but his focus, hand strength and competitive toughness make him an intriguing possession weapon, especially in the red zone.

strengths

Tall, well-built target. Above average play strength as a receiver, blocker and ballcarrier. Large catch radius with long features. Quick, strong hands to snare and secure. Fights for positioning and maintains focus in traffic. Leaping skills to climb the ladder. Quickly finds his balance after the catch to turn upfield and extend the play. Improved route-runner and every step has a purpose. Always looking for someone to block on the perimeter – often motions into the backfield on tape to help as a run blocker. Two-year team captain and proudly wears the “C” on his jersey. Highly respected in the locker room because of his mental toughness and passion for the team. Set numerous program records, including career receptions (241), receiving yards (3,360) and 100-yard receiving games (12). Football bloodlines – father (Kevin) was a senior captain defensive back at Iowa State (1990-93); older brother (Anthony) played linebacker for the Cyclones (2013-16). – Dane Brugler 1/2/2018

compares to

Quincy Enunwa, New York Jets – Although his career has been halted due to injury, Enunwa has been an intriguing up-and-coming receiver in New York due to his size, routes and strong hands. In a best-case scenario, Lazard can make a similar impact due to his powerful frame and ball skills.

weaknesses

Lacks suddenness off the line. Not a burner and doesn’t play with multiple gears to strike fear in the minds of cornerbacks. Lacks the start/stop burst to consistently create his own separation. Needs to improve his hand technique to fight through press coverage. Limited yards-after-catch threat due to his average athleticism. Returned punts in college (10.1 average), but offers little return value in the NFL. Plays through pain, but missed time over his Iowa State career due to various injuries, including a nagging foot issue (Sept. 2016), hairline fracture in his right hand (April 2016) and a rotator cuff injury (Oct. 2015). – Dane Brugler 1/2/2018

Attended Urbandale High School, Urbandale, Iowa. Chose Iowa State over Notre Dame, Nebraska, Stanford, California and Iowa

four-star recruit by Rivals and Scout

considered one of the nation’s best prospects

honored as a First-Team American Family Insurance All-USA All-American at wide receiver

earned All-America honors from Max Preps, State Farm and USA Today

ranked as the 47th-best recruit overall by Rivals

ranked No. 122 by Scout and No. 143 by ESPN, respectively, in their overall national rankings

rated as the 7th-best wide receiver by Rivals and the 18th-best by ESPN

No. 1 recruit in Iowa by Rivals

invited to the Nike “The Opening” camp in 2013

played in the Rivals Five-Star Challenge in 2013

participated in the 2014 USA Army All-America Bowl

three-time Des Moines Register Elite All-State pick

named to the Elite Team as a defensive back in 2011 and 2012

made the Elite Team in 2013 as a wide receiver

holds school career records in receptions (105), receiving yards (2,349), touchdowns (34) and interceptions (14)

named Des Moines Register's Western Iowa Offensive Player of the Year in 2013, catching 49 passes for 1,065 yards and 21 touchdowns

had 32 tackles and five interceptions on defense

named Des Moines Register's Western Iowa Defensive Player of the Year in 2012, registering 86 tackles

caught 40 passes for 928 yards and 11 touchdowns

as sophomore in 2011, had 94 tackles and eight interceptions, returning three interceptions for a TD in a quarter to tie a national record

ended career with 212 tackles, 14 interceptions and four interception return for TDs

four-year varsity starter

coached by Sam Anderson.

Born Dec. 11, 1995

son of Kevin and Mary Lazard

father, Kevin, played football at Iowa State from 1990-93

Kevin was named co-captain as a senior (1993), registering 50 tackles and two interceptions at defensive back

brother, Anthony, played football at Iowa State (2013-16)

open option major.

2017

receiving
REC	YPR	TD	LONG	YDS
71.0	13.3	10.0	36.0	941.0

defensive
TFL	QB HUR	TOT	TD	PD	SACKS	SOLO
0.0	0.0	2.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	2.0

puntReturns
AVG	NO	TD	LONG	YDS
0.0	2.0	0.0	0.0	0.0

2016

receiving
REC	YPR	TD	LONG	YDS
69.0	14.8	7.0	67.0	1018.0

defensive
TFL	QB HUR	TOT	TD	PD	SACKS	SOLO
0.0	0.0	1.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	1.0

puntReturns
AVG	NO	TD	LONG	YDS
-0.1	8.0	0.0	4.0	-1.0

2015

receiving
REC	YPR	TD	LONG	YDS
56.0	14.4	6.0	74.0	808.0

puntReturns
AVG	NO	TD	LONG	YDS
19.5	11.0	0.0	46.0	214.0