New York Jets TE Dustin Keller on the Rise, Will Play Key Role on Offense

The New York Jets spent this offseason making some splashy moves: tearing the flight boys apart, parting with WR Braylon Edwards and saying goodbye to long-time fan favorite Jerricho Cotchery.  But aside from making some roster changes, they managed to obtain playmaking WR Santonio Holmes and were able to sign big-name receivers Plaxico Burress and Derrick Mason.

Now, if you look at all three receivers' resumes, it is sure to bring some headaches to opposing teams' defensive coordinators in trying to stop this trio.  Third year, QB Mark Sanchez has three big-name, playmaking wideouts at his disposal, but even with the big-name targets, his favorite so far has been fourth-year TE Dustin Keller.  He has the most receptions on the team so far.

Dustin Keller, at 6'2", 250 lbs, has the size, athleticism and speed to create problems for any opposing defense. 

Keller, who was drafted out of Purdue by the New York Jets with the 30th pick in the 2008 NFL draft, had a decent season his rookie year.  He pulled in 48 receptions for 535 yards and three touchdowns.  That year, future Hall of Fame QB Brett Favre predicted that Dustin Keller would eventually become a big star, and now he is on his way.

Over the summer, the Jets hired Tom Moore, who ran the Colts offense, as a offensive consultant.  Anything to try and solve  the Jets' red-zone deficiencies.  He was behind the Colts' explosive offense and played a role in the development of turning Dallas Clark into one of the best pass-catching TEs in the league.  So far, it looks like Tom Moore has another tight end that may develop into a pass-catching threat.  Keller spent a lot of time with Moore this training camp, learning from him and taking notes.

Similar to this season, Keller got off to a fast start last season, but his production dropped off when Santonio Holmes came back on the field after serving a four-game suspension. However, he still finished the season with some decent numbers and contributed to last year's offense, hauling in five touchdowns.

This year, with another season under his belt under the guidance of Tom Moore, combined with his size and speed, look for Keller to be a huge threat on the field along with the Jets' other big-name receivers.  So far he has done some damage to defenses in the first two games, especially against the Jacksonville Jaguars last week, where he had six receptions for 101 yards and a touchdown.  He has the potential to have a breakout season, and an important one at that for Keller, who's in the last two years of his contract.

Defenses have to account for Holmes, Mason, and Burress; but the way Keller has taken off so far this season, they have to add him in there, too.  In doing so, it can open up the other receivers in the passing game.

Defenses, pick your poison.