Key to the New York Jets’ Success in 2014: Jace Amaro

Feb 20, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Texas Tech offensive lineman

speaks during a press conference during the 2014 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

The Jets’ took a big step in the process of solving their TE problems when they drafted Jace Amaro in the second round of the NFL draft a few months ago. Some have said that Amaro was first round level, a steal in the second round. Some have even touted Amaro as being higher rated than Eric Ebron, the other major tight end prospect in the past draft.

Jeff Cumberland is the incumbent starter at the tight end position. With a 2013 drop rate of 10.34%, and a slot performance percentage of 66.7%, he didn’t set the world on fire. In comes Jace Amaro with his 106 receptions in his senior year with Texas Tech. Yes, that was still college, but he still is known as a weapon in the slot. If he can handle the playbook, Amaro will make his mark and be key to the Jets’ success.

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First of all, the Jets need weapons. For no other reason, Amaro makes the Jets better than they were in 2013. The West Coast offense works when you have many receivers in the pass patterns, as we have talked about at length in the past. Adding another weapon that is actually adept at catching the football can only be a positive for Geno Smith and the rest of the offense. Jace Amaro is valuable on that level.

Amaro will also open things up for the other weapons on the team. Take a look at this:

In this example, the defense against the Jets in in a 3-4 set with two deep safeties. The Jets have Geno Smith lined up under center, with two backs behind Geno. Jace Amaro is in the slot to the right, with Decker lined up to his right on the outside. Jeremy Kerley is on the left.

If Amaro is a threat. He will demand coverage from a linebacker, as well as help from the safety on his side. If he attracts double coverage, that will open things up on the outside for Decker, Kerley, …etc. If not, the seam will be open for Amaro. The more the defense has to think about the better, as they can’t cover everybody.

Amaro will open things up for the run game too. With a legitimate threat at the tight end position, how can a defense put eight or nine in the box? Even if the defense does, Geno Smith can have the confidence with having weapons, that he can audible out of a run to a pass, and throw to Amaro, among others. And, it will open things up for Chris Johnson and the rest of the running back stable.

Jace Amaro figures to be a huge factor in the Jets’ potential success in this upcoming season. Training camp can’t come soon enough.