Dustin Keller appreciation thread (1 Viewer)

[Happy Ragnarok]

Since the great Sanchez Awakening at the start of the 2009 playoffs, Keller has been simply outstanding. His numbers in those six games:

6/98/2

7/115/1

2/13/0

6/63/1

3/19/1

3/99/1

Only one really putrid outing, and frankly, you expect a putrid outing every now and then anyway.

Just for discussion's sake, those prorate to the neighborhood of 70/1100/16 for a full 16 gamer.

Do you think this production is for real, and sustainable? I like how closely tied his production has been to Sanchez's increased production. I even like how this season's first "disappointing" game was disappointing for the Jets, Sanchez, AND Keller. It's almost like they made a commitment to go back to him in the passing game at that point, and it's been all gravy ever since.

What's the pool thinking here?

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

I like his prospects and drafted him as a TE2 in a coupe leagues and starting him right now.

I think you should temper expectations though becasue when Holmes get back they will have alot of weapons in BRaylon,Holmes and Keller

0 catches the 2nd half last night

 

[Macdaddy_2004]

It seems anytime Sanchez has a decent game Keller puts up good fantasy stats.

His production tailed off dramatically though after the first quarter yesterday - I think he got all but 1 of his 5 catches in the first quarter.

 

[Happy Ragnarok]

No real "expectations" on this end.

Keller's a guy I *looked* at in the pre season, based on his nice run of TD production late last year. But I looked at his 6'2", 250 build...his lack of history...my uncertainty with Sanchez...the addition of a couple pass catching weapons...and I thought, "Nah, I'll take Zack Miller."

Needless to say, the ship has sailed. I won't be enjoying Keller's production on my team any time soon. But I wouldn't worry too much about the 1st half/2nd half splits. It's not atypical to see a target get exploited, then see a defensive adjustment during the course of a game. I like that Keller's production came in the 1ST half, which suggests it was gameplan. I really feel Sanchez is comfortable with this guy, and even though 1100/16 is probably way beyond optimistic, an 800/10 type campaign seems reasonable to me at this point.

 

[VaTerp]

He did get all of his cathces early but his final numbers are still better than anyone could have expected. Thanks to Keller I now have a reasonable shot at going 3-0 and staying in first place.

This is still a running team and Keller is not likely to remain in the top 3 but I think he will be top 10 and more than serviceable for people like me who drafted him as my starter after some in my league had taken backup TEs.

And I don't think Holmes coming back hurts him that much if at all. Yes, they are a running team and yes, Holmes is another mouth to feed in the passing game but Keller's role is well defined. He works the middle of the field, he creates mismatches, and he's very good in the redzone.

Again, he won't finish top 3 but top 10 with the potential for huge games here and there. I'll take it.

 

[steelwind]

You can tell there is growth between Sanchez and Keller. And this has carried over from last year's playoff run when Keller caught TDs in all three playoff games from Sanchez. In the redzone attack, Keller is the goto option. Traditionally a TE on a run first offense isn't very productive. But Sanchez was given a security blanket in Keller the minute he set foot in the NFL. You're now looking at NYJ football. They will use Holmes, Edwards to stretch the field and run it down your throat or check down to Keller. Then they will look for that security blanket in the redzone. He's a big target and his name is Dustin Keller.

 

[zamboni]

This is still a running team and Keller is not likely to remain in the top 3 but I think he will be top 10 and more than serviceable for people like me who drafted him as my starter after some in my league had taken backup TEs.And I don't think Holmes coming back hurts him that much if at all. Yes, they are a running team and yes, Holmes is another mouth to feed in the passing game but Keller's role is well defined. He works the middle of the field, he creates mismatches, and he's very good in the redzone.Again, he won't finish top 3 but top 10 with the potential for huge games here and there. I'll take it.

Some good points.I wouldn't make much of Keller not catching anything in the second half. Sanchez didn't throw the ball that much in the second half anyway, and it appeared as though the Fins were clearly trying to double Keller after he torched them early.As for Holmes' return, I don't think it changes much. Holmes and Edwards are more downfield threats, opening up the middle of the field for Keller. In fact, Cotchery may be the guy who loses some playing time, and some of his targets may go to Keller.Finally, while the team's offensive identity is to be a running team, I'm not convinced that with LT and Greene that they will be able to constantly control the clock in that manner. Greene has only in spurts shown his effectiveness/running with authority we saw last year, and as much as LT has turned back the clock, he can't do it alone like he used to. Both guys are used situationally well now, but Sanchez still has to throw the ball to establish the run. Outside a few chances down the field, it will likely be a more conservative passing game.Net/net, I think Keller is well on his way to a very good season - he and Sanchez are really simpatico right now and are the future of the passing game.

 

[Chase Stuart]

Sell high, IMO.

The Jets will get back to their ground and pound, defensive oriented ways soon (especially once Revis and Pace are back). And I don't see how you can think that Keller's production won't nosedive once the best receiver on the team returns. I like Keller, and think he could be a stud in another offense, but you've got as bad a recipe as you can cook up for a fantasy TE -- average QB + 3 good WRs + run heavy team + strong defensive team + conservative coaching philosophy. Put Keller on the Colts, and he'd be a fantasy star. Put him on the Jets with Revis, Pace and Holmes, and I think he has a lot of 3/34/0 weeks.

 

[Area51Inhabitant]

I wouldn't sell this week though. The Bills have no linebackers capable of covering even moderadely dangerous TE's.

 

[ThePittbully]

Wouldn't the addition of Holmes give Keller even more opportunities to get open? Regardless of situation I think its clear that Sanchez has formed a relationship with Keller.

 

[Happy Ragnarok]

Trent Dilfer on the Herd this AM was very high on continuing chemistry between Sanchez and Keller.

Not sure whether that's evidence for or against.

 

[Shutout]

I love it. Picked him up in every league I could get him in and its paying off for now.

My thinking was the old addage of "a good TE is a young QB's best friend" and I really like the skill set of Keller. To me, he played extremely well for a rookie with Favre and then I gave him a pass with Sanchez's rookie year. It allowed me to get him cheaper than I thought he was going to be so I liked that.

Keller seems to be Kellen Winslow with good knees. I think he can be a top 7 or so TE for a long time. Bring back Holmes and that just stretches the defense more. I really don't think it translates into lost opportunities for Keller.

I don't worry about if he gets his catches in bunches or has a few quarters where he doesn't seem involved. The totals at the end of the day justify starting him so I'm ok with that. He reminds me of Gates in that way. Sometimes Gates will do all his damage in one or two drives. Its still points at the end of the day.

 

[eaglezzz]

Just traded Keller for a 1st round pick in 2011 in a dynasty league.

I have Celek and Olsen as well so I couldn't go wrong.

 

[VaTerp]

Sell high, IMO.The Jets will get back to their ground and pound, defensive oriented ways soon (especially once Revis and Pace are back). And I don't see how you can think that Keller's production won't nosedive once the best receiver on the team returns. I like Keller, and think he could be a stud in another offense, but you've got as bad a recipe as you can cook up for a fantasy TE -- average QB + 3 good WRs + run heavy team + strong defensive team + conservative coaching philosophy. Put Keller on the Colts, and he'd be a fantasy star. Put him on the Jets with Revis, Pace and Holmes, and I think he has a lot of 3/34/0 weeks.

Outside of Gates, Clark, and Finley what TEs won't have a lot of 3/34 weeks? Maybe Witten but he is allergic to the end zone. Vernon Davis plays for an offense that fired its coordinator 3 weeks into the season.I understand the case that his numbers may drop. Especially considering how productive he has been the last 2 weeks. But I really don't see selling on Keller now as a winning proposition unless you can get someone to give you a really nice deal. And after Gates, Clark, and Finley I don't know what other TEs I would trade straight up for him right now. Maybe Davis....I don't know. Outside of the top 3 I'd be content with Keller or a guy like Hernandez and really wouldnt look to sell unless you get an offer that really upgrades you at another position.

 

[todisco1]

I have Celek and Olsen as well so I couldn't go wrong.

Yes, nothing could go wrong with having Celek and Olsen this season.

 

[eaglezzz]

I have Celek and Olsen as well so I couldn't go wrong.

Yes, nothing could go wrong with having Celek and Olsen this season.

haha. Just meant had 3 decent TE's and only need to start 1. Getting a 1st rounder next year (probably a top 5 pick) will let me pick up a stud rookie next year. Thought I got good value for Keller but who knows maybe he has an A. Gates career right a head of him.

 

[yoadrian]

This is what will happen, week 4, more of the same. From week 5 and beyond, Holmes stretches the field as others have said, Keller will have more of the possession role, but with less touchdowns (unless its close in, like <10 yards), LT gets all the check downs. Braylon I think will be the odd man out.