kelly Posted February 22, 2016 Share Posted February 22, 2016 A look at what's happening with the New York Jets : 1. Wanted: Tight end: The coaching staff did a decent job of camouflaging it last season, but not having a receiving threat at tight end was like going into a gunfight with only five bullets in a six-shooter. The Jets are planning to change that in 2016. From what I hear, they're not going to kiss it off or sit around and wait for Jace Amaro to develop, which might or might not happen. They will make an effort to address the problem in free agency and/or the draft.There are no tight-end studs in free agency, but there are a handful of established veterans, including Coby Fleener, Dwayne Allen and Zach Miller. The biggest name is Antonio Gates, but it's hard to imagine him leaving his comfy cocoon in San Diego at age 35. The top prospect in the draft is Arkansas' Hunter Henry, whom ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. rates as a late first-rounder. Some might argue the Jets' passing attack was fine without a pass-catching tight end, and that offensive coordinator Chan Gailey can make due with his four-receiver packages. But that would be a flawed argument. They need a tight end that can challenge a defense in the middle of the field and can draw coverage away from Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker. With one of the least productive tight-end groups in NFL history, the Jets' passing efficiency between the numbers last season was significantly worse than outside the numbers. Consider these Jets' passing numbers from ESPN Stats & Information: 2. Year of the Pass-Rusher: This is good news for the Jets because they need an edge rusher who, ideally, could develop into an every-down 3-4 outside linebacker. There will plenty to choose from in the draft. Kiper, in a conference call with ESPN NFL Nation reporters, said "pass-rushers are everywhere. ... This is the year, if you want a pass-rusher and you want to try to get that player at a bargain point because of the great depth at that spot, you certainly can."We live in a mock-draft world, and so much emphasis is placed on the first round. But, as Kiper noted, many quality pass-rushers are found in the mid to late rounds. He mentioned Robert Mathis, Jared Allen and Rob Ninkovich, among others. Teams with good scouting departments find the hidden gems because they're out there, particularly this year. 3. More from the mouth of Mel: A Jets-related takeaway from Kiper's Q&A session concerns Notre Dame linebacker Jaylon Smith, who underwent major knee surgery in January. Kiper doesn't expect Smith to contribute in 2016 as he rehabs his injury, but he added, "You can make an argument that Jaylon Smith is the best player in this draft." This pertains to the Jets because there's a chance Smith could slide to them with the 20th overall pick, which would make for a fascinating decision.The Jets know what it's like to have a first-round pick who can't stay on the field (see: Dee Milliner). He was drafted by the previous administration, which felt comfortable with the decision even though he had five surgeries in college. It's hard to say how current general manager Mike Maccagnan would handle an injury-related risk because he's had only one draft, but it's something he might have to confront. 4. Local star hits big time: The most intriguing player from the New York-New Jersey area at the scouting combine, which begins Tuesday, will be Stony Brook defensive end Victor Ochi. He's trying to become the first player in his school's history to be drafted. Ochi could be picked as high as the second or third round, according to Kiper -- which would be a huge accomplishment for the FCS school.Ochi, unofficially listed at 6-foot-1, 241 pounds, will work out with the linebackers in Indianapolis. He's the school's all-time leader in tackles for loss and sacks, compiling 13 sacks in 2015. He impressed at the East-West Shrine Game, landing on the radar of many pro scouts.Other locals scheduled to participate in the combine are wide receiver Leonte Carroo and linebacker Steve Longa from Rutgers, along with defensive end Ron Thompson and punter Riley Dixon from Syracuse. 5. Iron Man and Money Man: There has been a lot of speculation about the possibility of offensive tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson being asked to renegotiate his contract, which includes a bloated $14.1 million cap hit. The Jets aren't banging at his door, demanding a pay cut or else. It's not like that at all. But, at some point in the near future, they probably will approach him. Ferguson is a smart dude, and he won't be caught off guard. Not many players who sign long-term, $10 million-a-year contracts, as Ferguson did in 2010, pocket every dollar of the entire deal. He has made $49.7 million over the past six years, which means he's way ahead of the game. I'd be surprised if there's not a peaceful renegotiation in the coming weeks. 6. Oh, Canada: The Jets didn't make much of a financial commitment to sign former CFL pass-rusher Freddie Bishop, who played for the Calgary Stampeders. He received only a $5,000 signing bonus as part of his two-year contract, which includes non-guaranteed base salaries of $450,000 and $540,000. That's what you call a no-risk acquisition. 7. Betting on the "future": The Jets doled out small signing bonuses to a handful of their reserve-future signees, which isn't a common practice around the league. Guard Craig Watts ($20,000), wide receiver Chandler Worthy ($10,000) and running back Dominique Williams ($10,000) received bonuses. So did guard Jarvis Harrison ($20,000), a former Jets draft pick who finished last season on their practice squad. 8. Salary-cap update: The 2016 salary cap still hasn't been announced, but the Jets will have $13.1 million in space based on a $155 million cap, per management figures. 9. Fitz's quick trigger: ESPN Seahawks reporter Sheil Kapadia has an interesting piece on how quarterbacks are getting rid of the ball faster than ever to compensate for leaky offensive lines. It notes the four fastest release times: Andy Dalton (2.20 seconds), Tom Brady (2.26), Peyton Manning (2.27) and Ryan Fitzpatrick (2.31). In Fitzpatrick's case, some of the credit goes to Gailey's system. Together, they camouflaged deficiencies in the offensive line. I wonder how that will be weighed when the front office considers personnel changes on the line. 10. Coach Leonhard: Congratulations to former Jets safety Jim Leonhard, who has been hired to coach defensive backs at Wisconsin, his alma mater. The 5-foot-8 Leonhard, a classic overachiever in his 10-year NFL career, is one of the smartest players I've ever covered. He'll be a terrific coach. > http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york-jets/post/_/id/58528/jets-plan-to-be-in-tight-end-market-remember-that-position Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mainejet Posted February 22, 2016 Share Posted February 22, 2016 Happy for Jim Leonhard Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kelly Posted February 22, 2016 Author Share Posted February 22, 2016 13 minutes ago, Mainejet said: Happy for Jim Leonhard Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mainejet Posted February 22, 2016 Share Posted February 22, 2016 I must say though.........the title of this thread sounds VERY gay....... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drdetroit Posted February 22, 2016 Share Posted February 22, 2016 Hunter Henry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kelly Posted February 22, 2016 Author Share Posted February 22, 2016 4 hours ago, Mainejet said: I must say though.........the title of this thread sounds VERY gay....... ..really ?.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kelly Posted February 25, 2016 Author Share Posted February 25, 2016 here's 5.. > http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2016/02/nfl_combine_2016_5_tight_ends_who_could_interest_j.html#0 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BurnleyJet Posted February 25, 2016 Share Posted February 25, 2016 If we even think Tight End in the first two rounds, I may just go full psycho! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RoadFan Posted February 26, 2016 Share Posted February 26, 2016 If price is right, Dwayne Allen. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kelly Posted March 3, 2016 Author Share Posted March 3, 2016 If Jets want to revive dormant tight end position, it's time to spend With free agency approaching (March 9), we're analyzing the biggest needs on the New York Jets' roster, examining possible upgrades: Position: Tight end 2016 cap hits of top returnees (position rank/average per year): Jeff Cumberland -- $1.9 million (22/96) Jace Amaro -- $1.1 million (38/96) Pending free agents: Kellen Davis Key stat: New England Patriots star Rob Gronkowski had more catches (11) in the first meeting against the Jets last season than the Jets' tight-end corps produced for the entire season (eight). Money matters: Cumberland, entering the final year of his contract, is a prime candidate to be released -- a move that would clear his entire $1.9 million from the cap. The Jets haven't paid significant money to a tight end since Dustin Keller in 2012. Maybe it's time to open the checkbook. Big picture: Jets head coach Todd Bowles downplayed the lack of productivity from the tight ends, saying at the scouting combine they were "a big part" of the offense because of their blocking. "We didn't assess the spot as a weakness in the passing game because we had the guys on the outside getting open and scored a bunch of touchdowns," Bowles said. That said, the Jets still need to upgrade the personnel. Statistically, they were one of the least efficient passing teams in the middle of the field, in part because they didn't have a threat at tight end. Amaro, coming off shoulder surgery, is a wild card. Drafted by the previous regime, Amaro was a record-setting receiver in college, but he has yet to impress the current administration. This will be a critical offseason for him. Free-agent market watch: Antonio Gates, Jared Cook, Vernon Davis,Jermaine Gresham, Dwayne Allen, Coby Fleener, Benjamin Watson, Ladarius Green, Zach Miller. The game plan: The Jets could try to squeeze by with the current personnel, relying on a Cumberland-Amaro combo, but general manager Mike Maccagnan has indicated there could be some value in the free-agent pool. Allen, who disappeared from the Indianapolis Colts' passing attack after a promising start to his career, is a two-way tight end who would upgrade the position. If the Jets want to bet on potential over past performance, they should look at Green. He never emerged from Gates' shadow in San Diego, but he's fast and has an intriguing skill set. The Jets are on a budget, but they will look to add a veteran to the mix. > http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york-jets/post/_/id/58693/if-jets-want-to-revive-dormant-tight-end-position-its-time-to-spend Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kelly Posted March 4, 2016 Author Share Posted March 4, 2016 One year after trading Brandon Marshall to the New York Jets, the Chicago Bears are prepared to deal another high-profile pass catcher -- tight endMartellus Bennett. Bennett's agent, Kennard McGuire (who also represents Marshall), is trying to facilitate a trade, ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter reported. This would seem to interest the Jets, who haven't had a receiving tight end since Mickey Shuler (not really, but it seems that way).Bennett would be right out of central casting for the Jets -- a 6-foot-6 target and a proven playmaker in the passing game. He has 263 catches and 2,740 yards over the last four seasons -- fourth and seventh among tight ends over that span, respectively. He turns 29 on March 10, so he's not too old. Here's the issue : Money. Bennett is due to make $5.1 million in the final year of his contract, and we already know he's looking for a sweeter deal. Unhappy with his contract, he skipped the voluntary portion of the Bears' offseason last spring. No doubt, he's looking for an extension and guaranteed money beyond 2016. That could be a problem for the Jets, who have cap issues. Do they want to invest in a 29-year-old tight end, probably surrendering a late-round draft pick, when they can sign a younger free agent in a few days? With the exception of the ancient Antonio Gates, there are no free-agent tight ends as prolific as Bennett, but there are a couple of solid options, namely Dwayne Allen. There's also a chance the Bears could simply release Bennett if they can't find a trade. It's an interesting dilemma for the Jets. Coach Todd Bowles downplayed the lack of production from his tight ends, claiming their primary role is to block. That might be true, but a receiving threat would add a much-needed No. 3 option in the passing game.Bennett makes sense for a lot of reasons, but, like I said, this is about the money. > http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york-jets/post/_/id/58795/bears-te-martellus-bennett-would-fit-in-jets-offense-but-maybe-not-salary-cap Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jet Nut Posted March 4, 2016 Share Posted March 4, 2016 On February 26, 2016 at 8:18 PM, RoadFan said: If price is right, Dwayne Allen. Can catch and block. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kelly Posted March 5, 2016 Author Share Posted March 5, 2016 An intriguing name who could fill an obvious position of need for the Jets was thrown into the NFL's trade market on Friday, when ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that the Bears are exploring a trade for tight end Martellus Bennett.Bennett made the Pro Bowl in 2014, and he has caught at least 50 passes in the last four seasons, including a 2012 stint with the Giants. But he appeared to have fallen out of favor under first-year head coach John Fox in 2015. Bennett is also reportedly unhappy with his contract, which, per the Chicago Tribune, calls for him to make $5.09 million in 2016, plus a $100,000 workout bonus. And therein lies the hangup for the Jets, whose tight ends were a mirage in the passing game in 2015. Yes, the Jets had swung a deal last year to acquire wideout Brandon Marshall from the Bears just before free agency, and Bennett and Marshall have the same agent. But with free agency ready to happen again in the coming week, the Jets are a little squeezed in terms of salary-cap space. And even though they have the ability to create more cap room by making additional cuts in the coming days, the Jets also still have to signquarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. Additionally, Jets general manager Mike Maccagnan has said repeatedly he intends to build through the draft. And the Jets are already down to six picks for this season because they parted with a sixth-rounder to acquire Fitzpatrick from the Texans 12 months ago.The Jets last year were able to be aggressive in free agency because they had plenty of cap room to spend. This year, they're going to be much more judicious. They may indeed pursue a tight end in free agency, but it's unlikely to be for someone as costly as Bennett. > http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2016/03/would_jets_trade_for_martellus_bennett_of_chicago.html#incart_river_index Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Il Mostro Posted March 5, 2016 Share Posted March 5, 2016 Ladarius Green is the guy to go after. He can be used as the blocking TE (his primary role with the Chargers) but is a very good receiver when he sees the field in passing situations. Still relatively young and will not break the bank like some of the bigger names, some of who are questionable as to whether there is much left in the tank. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Powpow Posted March 7, 2016 Share Posted March 7, 2016 On 3/5/2016 at 11:02 AM, Il Mostro said: Ladarius Green is the guy to go after. He can be used as the blocking TE (his primary role with the Chargers) but is a very good receiver when he sees the field in passing situations. Still relatively young and will not break the bank like some of the bigger names, some of who are questionable as to whether there is much left in the tank. Impressive - a diamond in the rough https://youtu.be/vADoNptYpU8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kelly Posted March 7, 2016 Author Share Posted March 7, 2016 You don’t have to be a rocket scientist or a neurophysicist to understand how bad the Jets tight ends were this past season.It got so bad that Jet fans were looking for Jeff Cumberland andKellen Davis on the back of a milk carton.The combination of Cumberland and Davis combined for just 25 targets and a measly eight catches on the season, despite both appearing in all sixteen games.So, how did it come to be this bad? Does Chan Gailey just not like tight ends? Let’s look at this a little deeper. It began in training camp when the Jets lost Zach Sudfeld, and more importantly Jace Amaro for the season with injuries.Despite having a rocky and inconsistent rookie season in 2014, Amaro was the only natural pass catcher at the tight end position on the Jets roster. In fourteen games as a rookie, he caught 38 passes on just 53 targets, which was good for a catch rate of 71 percent, the best on the team.He possesses the size and speed to rip up the middle of opposing defenses, and at 6-6, can be a target in the red zone. With Amaro gone for the season and the coaching staff obviously down on Cumberland’s ability, the team featured more four-wide receiver sets than any team in the NFL.So how can the Jets get more production out of their tight ends in 2016? Or better yet, will they be more involved in the offense gameplan? It’s going to take a complete makeover. Davis is what he is, he’s a solid blocker and mediocre receiver. He is an unrestricted free agent, and will most likely be gone.Cumberland is still under contract, but is a prime candidate to be released saving New York nearly $2 million on this year’s cap.This potential move has been a long time coming. Cumberland has never quite lived up to the potential the organization thought he once had.He has never been a good blocker, and his production in the passing game has decreased each year, finally hitting rock bottom with just five catches in 2015. New York will certainly look for an upgrade in free agency, but does not have big money to invest in a tight end.As of right now the Jets have just over $6 million in cap space afterMuhammad Wilkerson signs his franchise tag, so New York will have to be penny-pinchers this year. Two players they may target are San Diego Chargers tight endLadarius Green and Indianapolis Colts tight end Dwayne Allen.Both of these players fit the bill as under the rater, cheaper signings that could provide great value as both players were underused by their former teams. Allen, 26, was targeted just 29 times this past season with the Colts after catching eight touchdowns the previous season. He can block… and catch. Imagine that?! Green, on the other hand, is more of a pass catching specialist, but is a very intriguing prospect at the age of 25..He has a rare skillset, with seemingly untapped athletic ability, but was never able to get out of future Hall of Famer Antonio Gates’ shadow with the Chargers. If the Jets opt to draft a tight end, Hunter Henry is the top prospect in the draft, but is given a first-round grade my most analysts. While tight end is certainly an area of need for the Jets, the team has others (namely pass rusher, offensive line) that will likely warrant fixing with their first- and second-round picks.Just because the Jets ignored the tight end position in 2015 doesn’t necessarily mean that this is going to be their philosophymoving forward. Adding either Allen or Green to play alongside Amaro next season will give the Jets offense more versatility and give whomever is playing quarterback that safety valve that Ryan Fitzpatrick never had this past season. > http://jetswire.usatoday.com/2016/03/07/how-the-jets-can-fix-the-tight-end-position-this-offseason/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kelly Posted March 12, 2016 Author Share Posted March 12, 2016 When the Jets weren’t meeting with players who have played with the Bears on Friday, they were meeting with one who visited with the Bears this week.According to multiple reports, tight endJermaine Gresham met with the Jets. He visited with the Bears as well this week. Gresham made 12 starts for the Cardinals last season, but was mainly used as a blocker in coach Bruce Arians’ offense as he finished the year with 18 catches for 223 yards and a touchdown. He was a more frequent target through the air during his five years with the Bengals, catching 280 passes over that span. The Jets got underwhelming production from their tight ends in both areas last year, so Gresham would probably be of interest even if they didn’t cut Jeff Cumberlandwith Kellen Davis hitting free agency. > http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2016/03/11/jets-visit-with-jermaine-gresham/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kelly Posted March 15, 2016 Author Share Posted March 15, 2016 The New York Jets don't have a shortage of bodies at tight end. The question is whether they have any difference makers at the position. On Monday, they brought back a familiar face, signing Kellen Davis to a one-year contract, a league source confirmed.Davis played 39 percent of the offensive snaps last season, taking over the starting job from the now-departed Jeff Cumberland late in the season. Davis finished with only three receptions for 18 yards, playing in the most wide receiver-oriented passing attack in the NFL. As a team, the Jets' tight ends produced only eight catches. Coach Todd Bowles recently downplayed the need to address the position, claiming the tight ends graded out well for what they were asked to do. That didn't preclude them from meeting last Friday with free agent Jermaine Gresham, a former first-round pick who wound up returning to the Arizona Cardinals on a one-year deal. The Jets reportedly made him a better offer, a sign they're willing to spend at the position if they find the right fit. Davis, 30, made $950,000 last season on a one-year contract; his new deal probably is slightly above that.Right now, the Jets' tight end depth chart looks like this: Davis, Jace Amaro,Zach Sudfeld, Adrien Robinson, Brandon Bostick and Wes Saxton. They combined for a total of only three catches last season. The lack of a proven receiving threat is hurting the efficiency over the middle passing attack. Is there any hope at the position? Taking the optimistic view, Amaro, a former second-round pick, should be 100 percent after missing 2015 due to shoulder surgery. Ditto, Sudfeld, who is coming back from a major knee injury. The sleeper is Saxton, a former undrafted free agent who displays a raw ability to make plays in the passing game. > http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york-jets/post/_/id/59034/source-starting-te-kellen-davis-re-signs-with-jets Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kelly Posted March 18, 2016 Author Share Posted March 18, 2016 Rich CiminiESPN Staff Writer The Jets met today with Saints TE Josh Hill, ESPN's Field Yates reported. Hill, a restricted free agent, received the lowest tender from the Saints, who have the right of first refusal. There is no draft-pick compensation because he was undrafted. Hill had 16 catches for 120 yards and two TDs. Sean Payton loves Hill's upside, but the Saints spent big on Coby Fleener and have cap issues > http://espn.go.com/nfl/team/_/name/nyj/new-york-jets Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kelly Posted March 26, 2016 Author Share Posted March 26, 2016 top TE's in this year's draft.. > http://www.nj.com/eagles/index.ssf/2016/03/2016_nfl_draft_who_are_the_best_tight_ends.html#0 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kelly Posted April 6, 2016 Author Share Posted April 6, 2016 In what would have been a shocking statement a few years ago, the Jets are set at wide receiver. With Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker, the team has two stars. Quincy Enunwa also developed for them last year and if Devin Smith can get healthy, they have hope he could be a deep threat. Maybe they take a flyer on a receiver late in the draft, but it is not aposition of need. The one position the Jets spent at this offseason has been running back, ending speculation they might be after Ezekiel Elliott or Derrick Henry in the first round. They re-signed Bilal Powell and added Matt Forte and Khiry Robinson, so it is doubtful they will add any more running backs. Last season, the Jets basically ignored the tight end position, making it into an extra lineman. It is a position that could use a boost for the Jets. Kellen Davis is the returning starter, but he is hardly a pass-catching threat. Jace Amaro is coming off an injury and there are questions about him anyway. Keep an eye on Ohio State’s Nick Vannett as a possible target in the middle rounds. > http://nypost.com/2016/04/05/how-jets-might-use-nfl-draft-for-tight-end-facelift/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kelly Posted May 6, 2016 Author Share Posted May 6, 2016 Record-breaking QB-turned-tight end highlights Jets' undrafted signings 10:22 PM ET Rich CiminiESPN Staff Writer Email print comment As soon as the NFL draft ended last Saturday, the New York Jets started signing undrafted free agents. On Thursday night, they announced their list of UDFAs: Jason Vander Laan, TE, Ferris State: A record-breaking quarterback on the Division II level. The 6-foot-4, 244-pound athlete rushed for more yards (5,993) than any quarterback in NCAA history, but some folks believe he throws like Tim Tebow. As a result, the Jets will give him a shot at tight end. Other teams wanted to do the same thing. rest of above article : > http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york-jets/post/_/id/60219/record-breaking-qb-turned-tight-end-highlights-jets-undrafted-signings Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
munchmemory Posted May 6, 2016 Share Posted May 6, 2016 On February 21, 2016 at 11:40 AM, Mainejet said: I must say though.........the title of this thread sounds VERY gay....... Only if you want it to. lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drdetroit Posted May 6, 2016 Share Posted May 6, 2016 I wanted Hunter Henry and I think he and Rivers are going to be good together but I can understand Darron Lee our defense needed him Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
no psls Posted May 7, 2016 Share Posted May 7, 2016 On 2/21/2016 at 11:40 AM, Mainejet said: I must say though.........the title of this thread sounds VERY gay....... Fabulous ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kelly Posted May 9, 2016 Author Share Posted May 9, 2016 With all of the storylines surrounding the Jets this offseason, the status of h-back/tight end Jace Amaro has flown a bit under the radar. After being among the rookie tight end statistical leaders in 2014, a shoulder injury in camp last summer landed Amaro on the injured reserve. Following the breakout of Quincy Enunwa, Amaro has gone from “potential playmaker,” to afterthought, on the Jets offense. Well, that’s to those outside of Florham Park. Because those inside the Atlantic Health Training Facility are quite excited about what Amaro can bring to the team in 2016.“He has been running around,” Jets coach Todd Bowles said Saturday, “so I’m hopeful he will be able to practice. Taken in the second round of the 2014 draft, Amaro came to New York with high expectations, thanks in part to an eye-popping junior season at Texas Tech. His final year in college, Amaro caught 106 passes for 1,352 yards and seven touchdowns. While the Jets knew Amaro would take time before his blocking could be developed, his threat as a receiver was hoped to be instantly felt.In 14 games as a rookie, Amaro caught 38 passes for 345 yards and two touchdowns. Poor quarterback play and Amaro’s liability in the run game kept him from being a full-time contributor, but few could deny his impact when he was on the field. Despite a promising rookie year, when Bowles was hired and then appointed Chan Gailey as offensive coordinator, Amaro fell out of favor. Instead of being a “tight end,” which he worked as a rookie, he was placed on the bottom of the depth chart at the position.When asked why, Bowles said it was because “H-Back” was not a position on the depth chart.At 6-5 and 265 pounds, Amaro certainly has the size and physical ability to be a player in the NFL. The issue right now is simply finding out how to use him. With a full offseason, New York is hoping to decipher that this year. > http://jetswire.usatoday.com/2016/05/08/jace-amaro-getting-healthy-when-will-he-return-to-the-jets/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nyjbuddy Posted May 9, 2016 Share Posted May 9, 2016 It would be great to bring in a player with big upside at the TE position (perhaps its Amaro) but the Jets at least have a lot of players currently on their roster to try to find one that can at least contribute a little this year. Amaro, Davis, Sudfeld, Saxton, Robinson, Vander Laan, Bostick. Other than WR, that seems to have the most players for camp competition. So its not like they are totally ignoring the lack of a TE, perhaps just approaching it in a different way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Augustiniak Posted May 9, 2016 Share Posted May 9, 2016 i'm surprised they didn't either draft someone or bring in a FA. but they did get peake and marshall, and forte. the offense could have major weapons, esp. if amaro plays. size and speed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NYs Stepchild Posted May 9, 2016 Share Posted May 9, 2016 26 minutes ago, nyjbuddy said: It would be great to bring in a player with big upside at the TE position (perhaps its Amaro) but the Jets at least have a lot of players currently on their roster to try to find one that can at least contribute a little this year. Amaro, Davis, Sudfeld, Saxton, Robinson, Vander Laan, Bostick. Other than WR, that seems to have the most players for camp competition. So its not like they are totally ignoring the lack of a TE, perhaps just approaching it in a different way. Well they killed Amaro off in the Game of Thrones (killed by a girl) so he should have more time to devote to football. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TuscanyTile2 Posted May 9, 2016 Share Posted May 9, 2016 On 5/6/2016 at 9:18 AM, kelly said: Record-breaking QB-turned-tight end highlights Jets' undrafted signings 10:22 PM ET Rich CiminiESPN Staff Writer Email print comment As soon as the NFL draft ended last Saturday, the New York Jets started signing undrafted free agents. On Thursday night, they announced their list of UDFAs: Jason Vander Laan, TE, Ferris State: A record-breaking quarterback on the Division II level. The 6-foot-4, 244-pound athlete rushed for more yards (5,993) than any quarterback in NCAA history, but some folks believe he throws like Tim Tebow. As a result, the Jets will give him a shot at tight end. Other teams wanted to do the same thing. rest of above article : > http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york-jets/post/_/id/60219/record-breaking-qb-turned-tight-end-highlights-jets-undrafted-signings Can we turn him back into a QB? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TuscanyTile2 Posted May 9, 2016 Share Posted May 9, 2016 On 4/6/2016 at 11:07 AM, kelly said: Last season, the Jets basically ignored the tight end position, making it into an extra lineman. It is a position that could use a boost for the Jets. Kellen Davis is the returning starter, but he is hardly a pass-catching threat. Jace Amaro is coming off an injury and there are questions about him anyway. Keep an eye on Ohio State’s Nick Vannett as a possible target in the middle rounds. > http://nypost.com/2016/04/05/how-jets-might-use-nfl-draft-for-tight-end-facelift/ I only have 2 eyes but wasted the use of one of them looking for Nick Vannett. I've never been happier for a Jet draft to be over. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kelly Posted May 27, 2016 Author Share Posted May 27, 2016 Rich CiminiESPN Staff Writer Email print comment As he prepares for his third NFL season, Jace Amaro's claim to fame is that he triggered a war of words with Rex Ryan. Surely, you remember that unfortunate chapter in coach-player relations.In a radio interview after Ryan was fired by the New York Jets, Amaro said the team lacked accountability in 2014. The tight end must have pushed a button because Ryan fired back, and he kept firing in subsequent interviews. Amaro doesn't want to be remembered that way. He wants to be known for catching passes, not flak from his old coach. "This is a big year for me, especially the way we played as a collective group," Amaro said after Wednesday's practice. "The tight ends only caught 10 balls (actually eight), so it's a big year for all of us. All I know is that we plan on getting more involved this season. I plan on getting involved a lot this season." That's quite a statement, considering the Jets' recent history at tight end. Since 2011, their tight ends have produced a league-low 282 receptions, according to ESPN Stats & Information. By contrast, the NFL-leading New England Patriotshave generated 545 catches from the position.The Jets' drought has spanned four offensive coordinators, from Brian Schottenheimer to Tony Sparano to Marty Mornhinweg to Chan Gailey. We're talking about four entirely different systems, so you can't blame the lack of numbers on coaching. It's the talent; they haven't had a true pass-catching tight end since Dustin Keller. Amaro hopes to change that. He was a record-breaking receiver at Texas Tech, a second-round pick in 2014. He caught 38 passes as a rookie, but folks remember his six drops more than any of his receptions. Amaro didn't play a single down last season because he underwent labrum surgery in the preseason. Before the injury, he was listed as the No. 3 tight end on the depth chart, raising eyebrows.A year ago, the Jets envisioned Amaro as an H-back, a fullback/tight end hybrid who can move around the formation. Coach Todd Bowles said they still see him as an H-back, which is interesting because Amaro doesn't share the same thought. He believes he'll get a shot to be a traditional tight end, capable of playing every down. "It just takes a lot of practice, a lot of reps, catching the ball, doing the right things, getting open, and I think that’s one of the things I can do extremely well," Amaro said.What do the Jets expect from Amaro? They have no idea. Really, they don't. Remember, the current regime didn't draft him and he got hurt last summer before it could formulate an evaluation.“He’s competing for a spot like everybody else," Bowles said. "He missed a year. I haven’t seen him play yet. My first year, he was out. So getting him back healthy, it’ll be interesting to see what he does." The position is wide open. Jeff Cumberland is gone, so the top returning tight ends are Amaro, Kellen Davis and Zach Sudfeld, who also is returning from an injury. It's surprising the front office didn't make a stronger effort to improve the position, but maybe it's counting on Amaro to blossom and become the player the old staff, including Ryan, thought he could be. > http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york-jets/post/_/id/60588/jace-amaro-hopes-to-revitalize-tight-end-position-in-jets-offense Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rangers9 Posted May 27, 2016 Share Posted May 27, 2016 I don't think you can blame Amaro for being injured. He wasn't a complete TE in 2014 but a decent receiver. And we heard that he was improving as a blocker that season. When Bowles came aboard before his injury what we heard is that he was in the dog house. OK a lot of players go into the dog house and come out of it a better player. It's part of the coaching process. We might be seeing it this season hopefully with Dee Milliner. So I'd love to see how Amaro does in training camp and if he can win a job this season. You don't give up on him this fast. Plus the Jets re-signed another injured tight end, a guy they kind of liked in Sudfeld, And we have a blocking TE in Kellen Davis,. I give Amaro every chance to make the team in 2016. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mainejet Posted May 27, 2016 Share Posted May 27, 2016 This IMO will turn out to be one of the bigger reasons why this season will not go well for the Jets. Chan Gailey has done a nice of disguising that in his first season, but as defenses key in on the way to defend us and probably only one injury (There's almost no depth on the offense), this offense will shut down. It was a surprisingly good year last year, but there was serious work that needed to be done this offseason and none of it got done. Teams will notice the lack of a TE and just utilize those otherwise dedicated to defending the TE route to doubling a WR. Fitz not having a full offseason to work with the team, a year older for everyone on the team, a CS that sucks? That all spells doom for sure... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kelly Posted June 13, 2016 Author Share Posted June 13, 2016 Will the tight ends return to the Jets' offense in 2016? So far, with the team in T-shirts and shorts, the answer is a definite maybe. Head coach Todd Bowles said he's been impressed with the way this year's tights are responding during OTA practices."From an intelligence standpoint, learning the system, throwing and catching, yes," Bowles said this week. "The blocking, you have to see when the pads come on."But, Bowles reminded, he's got a young group whose most senior member, Kellen Davis, he confirmed has had thumb surgery and whose most prolific college receiver, Jace Amaro, is returning from a season away due to his shoulder injury. "With Kellen out and Jace coming back and the other guys not having played here before," the coach said, "it'll be more of a training camp thing than it is right now."But Amaro, who had 106 receptions for Texas Tech in 2013 and 38 catches as an NFL rookie in '14, is typically optimistic about a major rebound for him and his unit."This is a big year for me, and especially the way we played last year as a group," he said recently. "It's a big year for all of us. I know we plan on getting more involved this season and I plan on getting more involved this season. It takes a lot of practice, a lot of reps, catching the ball, doing the right things, and getting open, and that's one of the things I can do extremely well." Amaro, the Jets and their fans know how lean a year it was for the position. Consider : ■ The TEs had only 24 passes targeted for them, with eight receptions for 95 yards, five first downs and one TD. The catches and yards are all the lowest season totals in franchise history. ■ It's also been a while since any NFL team had such low receiving productivity from its tight ends. For instance, the last time a team had fewer TE catches (4) and yards (26) in a season was the 2003 Vikings. ■ The Jets' lone tight end TD (Davis' 1-yard grab and spike at Oakland, below, which caused consternation to at least one denizen of the Black Hole). ties a franchise low for the position, although other recent NFL teams have had one TE touchdown (Arizona in 2014) and no TDs (Arizona, 2012, Seattle and St. Louis, 2011). Tight ends not catching the ball isn't necessarily death to an offense. Last year coordinator Chan Gailey and QB Ryan Fitzpatrick were quite comfortable throwing to Brandon Marshall, Eric Decker and the other WRs to the tune of a franchise season record of 4,170 gross passing yards. Meanwhile, the TEs' blocking was a key part of the 10th-ranked rush offense and second-best pass-protection unit.And Bowles (who was the D-coordinator for those '14 Cardinals) and Gailey weren't fazed by the low receiving totals. As Gailey said last season about the position, "You keep working on things that may end up getting them involved, may not. There's only one football. There's a lot of good players that we have that need to touch it." "We're winning," he added about keeping the unit's spirits up. "I hope that's good for guys that we're winning as a football team." Yet no doubt Gailey and his offense would love to create even more indecision for opposing defenses by working the TEs into the mix. And that's what Amaro and his group have aimed to do in May and June."This system fits the tight ends very well," he said. "It's just a matter of us winning 1-on-1 routes, us gettingopen, the quarterbacks trusting us. But I feel we're doing a lot better job than we were last season." It will be a promising development if the tight ends give a taste of that improvement at next week's mandatory minicamp to wrap up the offseason schedule. Next stop after that, as Bowles said, will be the proving grounds of summer training camp. > http://www.newyorkjets.com/news/article-randylangefb/Jace-Amaro-Jets-TEs-Seek-Major-Bounceback/1bffeee8-1afd-4005-93ca-cfa479c33179 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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