Dustin Keller, TE Jets (1 Viewer)

[GroveDiesel]

In the local Metro newspaper they run a weekly fantasy feature. In it this morning, the guy lists Dustin Keller as a sleeper because he said that the Jets have been lining him up in the slot as a WR instead of as a TE. Any Jets fans know if that's the case?

If so, he could provide tremendous value if drafted as a TE. If they're lining him up in the slot, it's very probable that he's going to end up with a lot more playing time and a lot more balls thrown his way than if they were just lining him up as a TE.

Or is this just a case of the Jets splitting him out at times like the Colts do with some of their TEs?

 

[Reaper]

I think that's all we know until Training camp - It'll be interesting to see what happens on the Chris Baker front which doesn't look good (for Baker).... And the Jets certainly need a Bigger Red Zone option...

ROTO

First-round pick Dustin Keller has been lining up in the slot at Jets Organized Team Activities.

In offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer's semi-spread, Keller could be the primary inside receiver instead of Brad Smith. This would be a big boon to Keller's playing time. The No. 30 overall pick has reportedly looked fast getting down the middle and didn't drop a pass at Thursday's workout.

 

[EBF]

Nobody has risen higher up my rookie board in the last 2-3 months than Keller. If you're in a PPR TE-required league, he's a viable option in the late first round. I think he has a chance to be a pretty good FF player and he looks like one of the safer picks in the crop.

 

[twitch]

He's going to be playing an extremely physical position. I understand he may line up in the slot frequently, but he'll also line up off the T plenty, and be competing with men alot bigger and stronger than him a large part of the time. And as a rookie, he's going to struggle. Colston was a monster-sized WR being covered by CBs. He always had a physical mismatch. Keller will occasionally enjoy that luxury. But the time he's going to be getting handled on the line as a young, undersized TE is going to take its toll on a 1st year player. JMHO. Id say temper your expecatations with the kid somewhat. Besides, he's not playing in a dome with Drew Brees throwing him the ball. He'll be outdoors, in one of the windier NFL environments taking passes from someone NOT named Brees.

 

[MPhilly03]

From what I have read the Jets have said since they drafted Keller that they viewed him as a Dallas Clark type weapon (ie move him around and use him in the slot). Also, GroveDiesel I am guessing you are in the Philly since I saw the same note in the Metro.

 

[GroveDiesel]

From what I have read the Jets have said since they drafted Keller that they viewed him as a Dallas Clark type weapon (ie move him around and use him in the slot). Also, GroveDiesel I am guessing you are in the Philly since I saw the same note in the Metro.

Yup, read that rag on the train every morning.twitch: Good points about the physicality aspect and especially about the QB position. Although Brees wasn't really thought to be a strong armed QB and when he got Colston, suddenly they were putting up ridiculous numbers through the air.

The biggest thing will probably just be where he lines up most of the time. If he lines up as a WR a large part of the time, he's probably going to be a good value as a TE. That doesn't necessarily mean that he'd be a great value strictly as a WR, but since he's TE eligible, that could quickly move him up into the top handful of TEs.

 

[UnknownCoach]

Colston never played TE in the NFL. He was only there in Yahoo fantasy leagues one season because he was a rookie who played TE in college. I dont believe that's the Jets plans for Keller. Even if he was converted to a full time WR, he wouldnt be a starter this year like Colston was. So no, he's not the next Colston on your fantasy team.

Several NFL TEs will play in the slot. Winslow, Gonzalez, Gates, Clark, Heap, Davis, ect, ect, ect. Considering Keller played more like a WR in college than a TE, it was obvious when the Jets traded up to draft him that he'd practice in the slot. He'll play in some situations however Keller has to improve his blocking by a large margin to become a full time TE.

 

[Sweet Love]

While it is true the Jets need a Red Zone passing option (and Keller could fill that), I could see the Jets going after a larger WR that has been cut to fill this role. When Baker and Coles were your Red Zone options (in 07), you know you need help.

This has not been mentioned anywhere (that I have seen), and it would be against the grain for typical NYJ signings, I think Chris Henry would fill the role nicely and give the Jets a height advantage with CBs (which would be a novelty for them). He would really be the only "bad apple in the Big Apple", but I am just not sure they would want to open Pandora's box on that one...

 

[Ripleys]

No way this kid ever becomes the next Colston because the Saints have Drew Brees and the Jets have...you get my point.

 

[habsfan]

Colston never played TE in the NFL. He was only there in Yahoo fantasy leagues one season because he was a rookie who played TE in college.

...and without that sort of "exploit" to capitalize on, I'm not sure there's a big fuss to be made here.

 

[zadok]

Colston never played TE in the NFL. He was only there in Yahoo fantasy leagues one season because he was a rookie who played TE in college.

Colston never played TE in college either. He was a Split End WR his entire career. There was only talk of converting him to a TE because of his size.

 

[Bri]

While it is true the Jets need a Red Zone passing option (and Keller could fill that), I could see the Jets going after a larger WR that has been cut to fill this role. When Baker and Coles were your Red Zone options (in 07), you know you need help.

I doubt it. They have a guy named Chansi Stuckey they liked last year and have read positive things again this spring. I would figure he and Keller each playing in the slot some is more than sufficient.As far as the QB comparisons, I'm with you guys on every aspect but...ya know Chad might have the edge on Brees in the short passing game.

I think Brad Smith is at a point where he has to show a little more and just may do that. If I'm not mistaken, he can fill in for any of the WR spots (x,y, or z) so the Jets should be OK. It's not a super talented WR corps like the Packers but their passing game seems to be about efficiency and those guys are efficient. IF IF They can run this year, Chad's little dink and dunk passes can be really frustrating(Pats fan).

Stuckey at GoogleNews for those that are thinking "who?"

http://news.google.com/news?hl=en&ned=...=chansi+stuckey

 

[MCguidance]

He signed today, if anyone cares.

As a Jets homer, and unlike many other Jets fans, I was veyr excited the Jets traded up and picked Keller. I remember watching him and thinking to myself, "This kid is a difference maker." At 6'4', 240lbs, he runs a 4.53 forty yard dash, something that puts him in the top echelon of the TE's in the league. Something of interest - and I'm not saying this is big news - is that he was an Indian state runner up as a senior in high school in the high jump. I only mention this to highlight that this kid is athletic. I think with time in the weight room he will only get better. I definitely see him split out wide and creating matchup problems for linebackers and opening up rushing lanes for TJ.

 

[DenverBroncos]

NO. He will do nothing.

 

[bcr8f]

Nobody has risen higher up my rookie board in the last 2-3 months than Keller. If you're in a PPR TE-required league, he's a viable option in the late first round. I think he has a chance to be a pretty good FF player and he looks like one of the safer picks in the crop.

I took him at 2.14 in a 16 team draft and needed a TE. I was very happy he was there at #30. I thought a Jets and TE fan would grab him.

 

[Chase Stuart]

Keller's nothing like Colston; he's about 25 lbs heavier and a couple inches shorter.

But the Jets don't use him like a regular TE, either. He's not a blocker. That's what they signed Bubba Franks for.

 

[smackdaddies]

Nobody has risen higher up my rookie board in the last 2-3 months than Keller. If you're in a PPR TE-required league, he's a viable option in the late first round. I think he has a chance to be a pretty good FF player and he looks like one of the safer picks in the crop.

????????

 

[EBF]

Nobody has risen higher up my rookie board in the last 2-3 months than Keller. If you're in a PPR TE-required league, he's a viable option in the late first round. I think he has a chance to be a pretty good FF player and he looks like one of the safer picks in the crop.

????????

Who else is available in that range? A bunch of mediocre RBs and enigmatic WRs. Given the lack of bankable talent in this draft class, I don't think it's a stretch to take Keller in the top 10-12 picks of a TE-required PPR league. He has a chance to be a Chris Cooley type of player. Don't forget that he was the only pass catcher picked in the first round. People need to realize that guys like Slaton, Charles, and Torain are major underdogs to achieve sustained FF value. Even the top receivers like Nelson, Avery, and Thomas are probably only a 30-40% proposition. Keller may not be able to match their upside, but I'd argue that he's a safer pick. I don't think it would be a stretch to take him in the first round of your rookie draft if TEs are valuable in your league.

 

[Raider Nation]

Nobody has risen higher up my rookie board in the last 2-3 months than Keller. If you're in a PPR TE-required league, he's a viable option in the late first round. I think he has a chance to be a pretty good FF player and he looks like one of the safer picks in the crop.

????????

Who else is available in that range? A bunch of mediocre RBs and engimatic WRs.

I'm thinking he missed the "rookie" portion of your post.

 

[Raider Nation]

Keller's nothing like Colston; he's about 25 lbs heavier and a couple inches shorter.

I took Grove's post to mean he could be a similar "comes out of nowhere" fantasy prospect. Not a literal comparison to Colston.

 

[Chase Stuart]

Keller's nothing like Colston; he's about 25 lbs heavier and a couple inches shorter.

I took Grove's post to mean he could be a similar "comes out of nowhere" fantasy prospect. Not a literal comparison to Colston.

Keller was a first round pick. I don't think he'd classify as a come out of nowhere prospect.

 

[Raider Nation]

Keller's nothing like Colston; he's about 25 lbs heavier and a couple inches shorter.

I took Grove's post to mean he could be a similar "comes out of nowhere" fantasy prospect. Not a literal comparison to Colston.

Keller was a first round pick. I don't think he'd classify as a come out of nowhere prospect.

In redrafts, he's not on the radar of most non-sharks, IMO.

 

[Sinrman]

Nobody has risen higher up my rookie board in the last 2-3 months than Keller. If you're in a PPR TE-required league, he's a viable option in the late first round. I think he has a chance to be a pretty good FF player and he looks like one of the safer picks in the crop.

Agreed. Something about this kid has me nabbing him in several leagues (all dynasty leagues). Haven't had to reach for him at all, either. Everyone is doing the usual, snapping up all rookie RBs, WRs, and a few QBs before he's even considered.

 

[Sebowski]

Nobody has risen higher up my rookie board in the last 2-3 months than Keller. If you're in a PPR TE-required league, he's a viable option in the late first round. I think he has a chance to be a pretty good FF player and he looks like one of the safer picks in the crop.

Me too until I read all this...http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index...0&hl=keller

First time I let my opinions be swayed by the masses. I'd never seen them so unanimous.

 

[EBF]

Nobody has risen higher up my rookie board in the last 2-3 months than Keller. If you're in a PPR TE-required league, he's a viable option in the late first round. I think he has a chance to be a pretty good FF player and he looks like one of the safer picks in the crop.

Me too until I read all this...http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index...0&hl=keller

First time I let my opinions be swayed by the masses. I'd never seen them so unanimous.

Zach Miller is crap. I owned him for his entire college career in my college dynasty league. He doesn't have the athletic ability to be anything more than a fringe TE1. Keller has a much higher upside. He was the right pick for you.

 

[MCguidance]

Nobody has risen higher up my rookie board in the last 2-3 months than Keller. If you're in a PPR TE-required league, he's a viable option in the late first round. I think he has a chance to be a pretty good FF player and he looks like one of the safer picks in the crop.

Me too until I read all this...http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index...0&hl=keller

First time I let my opinions be swayed by the masses. I'd never seen them so unanimous.

You made a good trade to get Miller and next years 2nd. However, I really like Keller, so I don't know if I would have made the trade. JMO.

 

[jeter23]

I don't see Keller having a big year as a rookie behind (for the moment) two veteran TEs that are decent pass catchers and do the little things that Keller does not, i.e. block. I think a lot depends on how the Baker situation is resolved, but at this point, Keller will likely be on my list of TEs to buy after his rookie year.

Jeff T. wrote a good article about rookie TEs and their production. Check it out...

Examining Rookie TE Performance

 

[MCguidance]

I don't see Keller having a big year as a rookie behind (for the moment) two veteran TEs that are decent pass catchers and do the little things that Keller does not, i.e. block. I think a lot depends on how the Baker situation is resolved, but at this point, Keller will likely be on my list of TEs to buy after his rookie year.

Jeff T. wrote a good article about rookie TEs and their production. Check it out...

Examining Rookie TE Performance

These are always good reads with great information. As a Keller fan I do not have any intention of drafting him before an L.J. Smith. The shark move, in my opinion (redraft), would be to keep an eye on him in the preseason and maybe make a waiver move if you start to see his role in the offense as productive.

 

[awesomeness]

Things looking good...

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

In the local Metro newspaper they run a weekly fantasy feature. In it this morning, the guy lists Dustin Keller as a sleeper because he said that the Jets have been lining him up in the slot as a WR instead of as a TE. Any Jets fans know if that's the case?If so, he could provide tremendous value if drafted as a TE. If they're lining him up in the slot, it's very probable that he's going to end up with a lot more playing time and a lot more balls thrown his way than if they were just lining him up as a TE. Or is this just a case of the Jets splitting him out at times like the Colts do with some of their TEs?

My guess he's a bust

 

[Bri]

I don't see Keller having a big year as a rookie behind (for the moment) two veteran TEs that are decent pass catchers and do the little things that Keller does not, i.e. block. I think a lot depends on how the Baker situation is resolved, but at this point, Keller will likely be on my list of TEs to buy after his rookie year.

Jeff T. wrote a good article about rookie TEs and their production. Check it out...

Examining Rookie TE Performance

Is Baker even in camp? Last I checked he and Mangini were bickerring and IIRC the Jets put him on PUP or did not report list or somesuch. Really not certain here at all

 

[Tanner9919]

He signed today, if anyone cares. As a Jets homer, and unlike many other Jets fans, I was veyr excited the Jets traded up and picked Keller. I remember watching him and thinking to myself, "This kid is a difference maker." At 6'4', 240lbs, he runs a 4.53 forty yard dash, something that puts him in the top echelon of the TE's in the league. Something of interest - and I'm not saying this is big news - is that he was an Indian state runner up as a senior in high school in the high jump. I only mention this to highlight that this kid is athletic. I think with time in the weight room he will only get better. I definitely see him split out wide and creating matchup problems for linebackers and opening up rushing lanes for TJ.

Still goes back to question #1, who's your QB? Neither Pennington nor Clements can get the job done.That position will be the Jets Achilles' heel.

 

[NYRAGE]

I don't see Keller having a big year as a rookie behind (for the moment) two veteran TEs that are decent pass catchers and do the little things that Keller does not, i.e. block. I think a lot depends on how the Baker situation is resolved, but at this point, Keller will likely be on my list of TEs to buy after his rookie year.

Jeff T. wrote a good article about rookie TEs and their production. Check it out...

Examining Rookie TE Performance

Is Baker even in camp? Last I checked he and Mangini were bickerring and IIRC the Jets put him on PUP or did not report list or somesuch. Really not certain here at all

Baker changed his tune. Allegedly his agent and the Jets were talking, so Baker began towing the company line. He has a back problem and has been riding the bike.Keller has looked incredible in camp fwiw. I have a hard time seeing this offense do much, but I think Keller will pleasantly surprise.

 

[Reaper]

I don't see Keller having a big year as a rookie behind (for the moment) two veteran TEs that are decent pass catchers and do the little things that Keller does not, i.e. block. I think a lot depends on how the Baker situation is resolved, but at this point, Keller will likely be on my list of TEs to buy after his rookie year.

Jeff T. wrote a good article about rookie TEs and their production. Check it out...

Examining Rookie TE Performance

Is Baker even in camp? Last I checked he and Mangini were bickerring and IIRC the Jets put him on PUP or did not report list or somesuch. Really not certain here at all

All resolved - Everyone happy.

for now.

 

[Reaper]

I don't see Keller having a big year as a rookie behind (for the moment) two veteran TEs that are decent pass catchers and do the little things that Keller does not, i.e. block. I think a lot depends on how the Baker situation is resolved, but at this point, Keller will likely be on my list of TEs to buy after his rookie year.

Jeff T. wrote a good article about rookie TEs and their production. Check it out...

Examining Rookie TE Performance

Is Baker even in camp? Last I checked he and Mangini were bickerring and IIRC the Jets put him on PUP or did not report list or somesuch. Really not certain here at all

Baker changed his tune. Allegedly his agent and the Jets were talking, so Baker began towing the company line. He has a back problem and has been riding the bike.Keller has looked incredible in camp fwiw. I have a hard time seeing this offense do much, but I think Keller will pleasantly surprise.

I agree - With the QB situation and him being a rookie I don't expect him to be a top 10 TE this year fantasy wise...

But Football wise I'm anticipating some Highlight reel plays this year. Some Great flashes like he's showing in camp.

I think overall he could be real good late Dynasty pick.

 

[MCguidance]

In the local Metro newspaper they run a weekly fantasy feature. In it this morning, the guy lists Dustin Keller as a sleeper because he said that the Jets have been lining him up in the slot as a WR instead of as a TE. Any Jets fans know if that's the case?If so, he could provide tremendous value if drafted as a TE. If they're lining him up in the slot, it's very probable that he's going to end up with a lot more playing time and a lot more balls thrown his way than if they were just lining him up as a TE. Or is this just a case of the Jets splitting him out at times like the Colts do with some of their TEs?

My guess he's a bust

Do you care to elaborate? He really has looked very good in camp, I've been hearing that for some time. Sure it's only camp, but when veterans are also praising him, it means that the blog writers really are not that far off with their comments. I don't expect him to be Pro-Bowl this season, but I wouldn't be surprised if that's the case somewhere down the line. In any event, it's nice that the early reports are positive - seeing as the Jets haven't had a play maker like this in quite some time.

 

[Jason Wood]

For what it's worth, Boomer Esiason was at Jets camp yesterday and said the one guy on offense who stood out was Keller. He said you couldn't help but notice him. Dubbed him "smooth" and said he looked like a polished receiver out there. This doesn't mean Keller is going to be a viable fantasy player in 2008, but I do think a former NFL MVP taking notice of the kid in a sea of players is a promising anecdotal testament to his potential.

 

[VTjkru]

Keller is on my taxi squad in dynasty. I didnt even draft a viable #1 TE in the initial dynasty auction (McMichael and King) because I am pretty high on Keller. I think Keller can be a force in the future if the Jets can be a little more consistent on offense. I cant vouch for his playbook study skills, but if he can nail down the playbook he has the ability to easily be a borderline #1 TE this year. The only problem I see is that he wont be pushed in the offense and will really put on the jets in the second half of the season when the season is lost. Great playoff TE imo!

 

[mdog1967]

Nobody has risen higher up my rookie board in the last 2-3 months than Keller. If you're in a PPR TE-required league, he's a viable option in the late first round. I think he has a chance to be a pretty good FF player and he looks like one of the safer picks in the crop.

My last and most important re-draft is Aug 16th and I really wish folks would stop talking about this guy.

 

[Scooby1974]

The Keller owner is sniffing around my Dallas Clark, but I'm just not sure I can let Dallas go foir an unproven rookie.

 

[Reaper]

The Keller owner is sniffing around my Dallas Clark, but I'm just not sure I can let Dallas go foir an unproven rookie.

Of course not..... I don't think there's anyone alive that says Keller will compare to Clark this year....He should be offering you another decent player though.

 

[kremenull]

Did someone say Shannon Sharpe aka D.K.

 

[Bri]

I don't see Keller having a big year as a rookie behind (for the moment) two veteran TEs that are decent pass catchers and do the little things that Keller does not, i.e. block. I think a lot depends on how the Baker situation is resolved, but at this point, Keller will likely be on my list of TEs to buy after his rookie year.

Jeff T. wrote a good article about rookie TEs and their production. Check it out...

Examining Rookie TE Performance

Is Baker even in camp? Last I checked he and Mangini were bickerring and IIRC the Jets put him on PUP or did not report list or somesuch. Really not certain here at all

Baker changed his tune. Allegedly his agent and the Jets were talking, so Baker began towing the company line. He has a back problem and has been riding the bike.Keller has looked incredible in camp fwiw. I have a hard time seeing this offense do much, but I think Keller will pleasantly surprise.

thanks Ryan and Reaper too

 

[NYRAGE]

I don't see Keller having a big year as a rookie behind (for the moment) two veteran TEs that are decent pass catchers and do the little things that Keller does not, i.e. block. I think a lot depends on how the Baker situation is resolved, but at this point, Keller will likely be on my list of TEs to buy after his rookie year.

Jeff T. wrote a good article about rookie TEs and their production. Check it out...

Examining Rookie TE Performance

Is Baker even in camp? Last I checked he and Mangini were bickerring and IIRC the Jets put him on PUP or did not report list or somesuch. Really not certain here at all

Baker changed his tune. Allegedly his agent and the Jets were talking, so Baker began towing the company line. He has a back problem and has been riding the bike.Keller has looked incredible in camp fwiw. I have a hard time seeing this offense do much, but I think Keller will pleasantly surprise.

thanks Ryan and Reaper too

Keller had a 55-yard TD in the Jets scrimmage game.....just saying

 

[FTRWRTR]

Personally I think keller will be the type of dominant player that vernon davis was supposed to be. Keller isn't a true te of course but he's an h-back like sharpe was and he'll be a serious mismatch for opposing defenders, he's too big for db's to handle and too fast for lb's. The fact that the jets have mediocre qbs makes me like him even more.

 

[LBH]

I think Keller is going to be one of those rare rookie TEs that actually produces from day 1. All Ive read through OTAs up until now in training camp is that he has been making plays

 

[MCguidance]

I don't see Keller having a big year as a rookie behind (for the moment) two veteran TEs that are decent pass catchers and do the little things that Keller does not, i.e. block. I think a lot depends on how the Baker situation is resolved, but at this point, Keller will likely be on my list of TEs to buy after his rookie year.

Jeff T. wrote a good article about rookie TEs and their production. Check it out...

Examining Rookie TE Performance

Is Baker even in camp? Last I checked he and Mangini were bickerring and IIRC the Jets put him on PUP or did not report list or somesuch. Really not certain here at all

Baker changed his tune. Allegedly his agent and the Jets were talking, so Baker began towing the company line. He has a back problem and has been riding the bike.Keller has looked incredible in camp fwiw. I have a hard time seeing this offense do much, but I think Keller will pleasantly surprise.

thanks Ryan and Reaper too

Keller had a 55-yard TD in the Jets scrimmage game.....just saying

He did come hustling off the field limping later in the game. No mention of anything, yet, however. Witnesses say it seemed like nothing serious.

 

[LBH]

If Clemens wins the starting job I think it will be a boost to Kellers production. Clemens seems to target the TE quite a bit more than Pennington

 

[MCguidance]

If Clemens wins the starting job I think it will be a boost to Kellers production. Clemens seems to target the TE quite a bit more than Pennington

I think this is a pretty accurate statement. I think the main reason why is that a guy like Keller can really expose defenses down the seam - and often times it takes a strong-armed QB to thread the needle, so to speak. Needless to say that Clemens would be better able to do that. Pennington, while more accurate, does not provide the Jets with such a luxury.

 

[Afro Samurai]

Colston never played TE in the NFL. He was only there in Yahoo fantasy leagues one season because he was a rookie who played TE in college.

Actually, he never played tight end in college, either. Scouts projected him as TE in the NFL because of his size but he was always a wideout.