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New York Jets: Could Jace Amaro be a franchise tight end?

ByMatthew Ordazzo|

Tight end and second year rookie Jace Amaro of the New York Jets just recently celebrated his 23rd birthday. While Amaro’s family and teammates helped him celebrate his special day, lets reflect back on Amaro’s rookie year with the Jets and his possible big leap in 2015. Amaro had a rather average year for the Jets his rookie season, posting 38 receptions for 345 yards and 2 touchdowns. That’s not exactly elite or stand out stats but Amaro could be poised for a bigger role in 2015, why you ask? Let’s look at the changes the Jets have made since last season.

With a whole new staff, a new head coach in Todd Bowles, a new offensive coordinator in Chan Gailey, a new Defensive coordinator in Kacy Rodgers and many other new position coaches, Amaro has plenty of people chiming in on his progression. Also a new general manager in Mike Maccagnan which could be the most important change, because of the simple fact that he holds the power to change the future of any player on the team.

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With all of the new additions to the organization, how does this effect Amaro’s role in 2015? Gailey has been known to have a great reputation as to successfully utilizing his tight ends in his offense.

He relies mostly on three good wide receivers, one fullback and one solid tight end. Amaro also has a big body and for his size he’s fast and can be a heavy red-zone threat, something Gailey thrives on.

Also, let’s all say good-bye to the West Coast offense. This should put a smile on Amaro’s face as he blatantly struggled during the start of last season trying to grasp onto a new system, in which was a lot different from the one he played under at Texas Tech.

Gailey’s system is something Amaro is familiar with and can play extremely well in. If Amaro is the starting tight end for the Jets in Week one, which he most likely will be, expect his rookie season stats to double if not exceed that in his second year.

Aug 16, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; New York Jets tight end Jace Amaro (88) runs with the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals in the second half at Paul Brown Stadium. The Jets won 25-17. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

Amaro is the first solid and reliable tight end the Jets have had since Dustin Keller. He has the athleticism, size, speed and strength to be the franchise tight end the Jets desperately need. Since losing Keller, Amaro has been the only guy posing as the lead man at his position. 2014 was a weak draft class for tight ends, however, Amaro lead all rookie tight ends with receptions and has shown flashes of being that go-to guy that the Jets have been seeking.

Overall, I believe Amaro can be the franchise guy for the Jets. Amaro had a rocky start to last season, but as time went by he became more comfortable and made signs of progression. Now that Amaro is entering his second season in a new and more familiar offense, he’s destined for a break out year.

Next: New York Jets: Top 4 players to make final roster

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