Will Dustin Keller Make the Jump This Year

by John B on Aug 21, 2009 3:28 PM EDT

I came across an interesting piece talking about how some elite tight ends improved from their first to their second seasons.

Sophomore Numbers (+/- Year 1 to Year 2)

Tony Gonzalez: 59 rec, 621 yards, 2 TD +26 rec, +253 yards, same TD

Antonio Gates: 81 rec, 964 yards, 13 TD +57 rec, +575 yards, +11 TD

Chris Cooley: 71 rec, 774 yards, 7 TD +34 rec, +460 yards, +1 TD

Jason Witten: 87 rec, 980 yards, 6 TD +52 rec, +633 yards, +5 TD

Todd Heap: 68 rec, 836 yards, 6 TD +52 rec, +630 yards, +5 TD

AVERAGE CHANGE (Year 1 to Year 2): +44.2 rec, +510.2 yards, +4.4 TD

Judging based on this, would it even be fair to predict what scary numbers that Dustin is projected to put up in 2009? How about he is projected to have 92.2 receptions, 1,045.2 yards, and 7.4 TD. If there is one player on the team that is about to explode, its Dustin Keller.

On the one hand, it will be tough for Keller. The Jets are probably going to focus more on the run this year. Run blocking isn't Keller's strong point so he might not have as much playing time as you might expect. On the other hand, he will definitely be featured in the passing game. The Jets don't have much proven at wide receiver, and Keller presents too many matchup problems for the team to not exploit.

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I’m pretty sold on the idea. The fact that the Jets DON’T have a proven WR presents itself as a question mark to fans, but it also makes it hell on the defense to work on a defensive game plan, imho.

Hopefully Keller can work on his run blocking. The last thing we need is other teams catching on to the idea that he’s only stepping in for passing plays.

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by FrankD on Aug 21, 2009 5:07 PM EDT reply actions

Ive picked him in every one of my fantasy leagues for one reason

Hes the best receiver on the Jets and will get the ball in the redzone. 10 tds and 1000 yards is a little high, but if he doesnt get 60-800-5, ill be disappointed

"To be a leader, you have to make people want to follow you, and nobody wants to follow someone who doesn't know where he is going."Joe Namath

by Civardi on Aug 21, 2009 8:55 PM EDT reply actions

I’m not sure how much of a trend among elite TEs it really is. Some of them were helped by better QBs, better coaches and so on. Also Farve has always loved throwing to the TE. Unless Sanchez and Keller hit it off in camp, I’d expect a drop in his Stats.

by Mark D on Aug 22, 2009 12:27 AM EDT reply actions