New York Jets tight end Jace Amaro is entering his third season in the NFL. The former Texas Tech Red Raider’s rookie season (2014) was a promising one. In four games started (14 games overall), Amaro had 38 receptions for 345 receiving yards and two touchdowns in his rookie campaign. But after that promising start to his NFL career Amaro missed all of the 2015 season due to injury. One of the biggest wild cards of the Jets 2016 season will be Amaro. What can be expected from a developing tight end coming off injury? Before answering that, there are a few factors that must be weighed.
Jace Amaro Expectations for 2016
Being a Starter Will Help
The New York Jets barely used their tight ends last year. Their top two tight ends were Jeff Cumberland and Kellen Davis. Both were mostly blocking tight ends and contributed almost nothing to the passing game. Davis had three receptions for 18 yards and only one of the team’s 33 touchdown receptions of the season. Cumberland had five receptions for 77 yards and no touchdowns.
Cumberland is no longer on the Jets, which means the race to start at tight end is between Davis and Amaro. While it is not official, all signs point to Amaro winning the starting tight end position. This will result in Amaro getting more targets and receptions than in 2014 when he was the second-string tight end.
Missing a Season Will Hurt
Jace Amaro missed a critical second season. As a young receiver it would have been good to get some game action in his second year. Furthermore, offensive coordinator Chan Gailey was able to call a very successful passing game without the presence of a receiving tight end. While Gailey has noted that his passing plans are based upon a meritocracy, it is more of a negative for Amaro since the Jets proved their offense can move without him. Amaro will need to present himself as a viable option to be used often by Gailey.
The Quarterback Position Will Help
As crazy as this sounds, there is reasoning behind this notion. The last time Amaro suited up for a game was in 2014 with Geno Smith. It is a big possibility that Smith may be starting under center again if Ryan Fitzpatrick is not re-signed. Either way it is a win-win for Amaro.
If Geno Smith is Quarterback
It is very unlikely that Geno Smith will perform worse than he has previously. Even though the former West Virginia signal caller led the Jets to a 3-10 record in the 13 games he started during the 2014 season, he improved upon his 2013 (rookie year) statistics. In 13 games started (14 games overall) in 2014 Smith had 2,525 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. That was better compared to a year earlier when he had 12 touchdowns and 21 interceptions in 16 games. While Smith had more passing yards in 2013 (3,046 ) that is only 521 more yards in two more games played.
The presence of better receivers, mainly Eric Decker, helped Smith in 2014. Now with the presence of Brandon Marshall and a receiving threat in running back Matt Forte, Geno Smith can only get better. Also even though he was backing up most of last year, he had more time to learn and get familiar with Chan Gailey’s system which should also help his development. With Smith expected to improve, it is very logical to say Amaro will as well. Even though some may say the other receivers will take receptions away from Amaro, the presence of better receivers will give Amaro weaker coverage against him. That should open him up for more receptions.
If Ryan Fitzpatrick is Quarterback
Of course if Ryan Fitzpatrick does end up re-signing with the Jets, it is still a win for Amaro. Fitzpatrick showed last year how well he can play as he had 3,905 passing yards and 31 touchdowns which were both career highs. Even if he regresses, it will still be a vast improvement with what Amaro dealt with in 2014.
An improved Geno Smith or a solid Ryan Fitzpatrick will only benefit Jace Amaro in his development and production.
Projection
By weighing the positives and negatives surrounding Amaro in 2016, it looks like his numbers will spike. If Amaro were to play a full season, this is what can be expected from him:
Receptions: 60
Receiving Yards: 680
Touchdowns: 5
These numbers would have put Amaro in the top 10 last year among all tight ends for each of those stats. This should not be too surprising considering the hype from the team and from Amaro himself after being drafted in the second round in 2014. Amaro’s goal in his first season was to win Rookie of the Year. Although he did not win the award, it showed that he was in the right place mentally which is important. Amaro having the kind of production outlined above should not be surprising as long as he can play all 16 games. If he plays fewer games, his numbers will reflect that. Amaro will perhaps be the biggest wild card on the team, but if he stays healthy he can be a part of an already terrific receiving corps.
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