2014 Fantasy Football: Why Drafting Jace Amaro Late Is A Good Idea

Jace Amaro

Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Jets went into the 2014 NFL draft with a dire need for pass catchers. They featured one of the most laughable receiving corps in all of football last season. The Jets added Jace Amaro, Jalen Saunders, Shaquelle Evans and Quincy Enunwa in the draft. Saunders, Evans, and Enunwa are considered to “projects” that should take time to develop.

However, Amaro was taken with the idea that he will jump Jeff Cumberland on the depth chart and will be the starter in Week 1.

Amaro has the unique ability to line up in line or in the slot, which will only help offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg’s plan to place the hulking tight end all over the field. Amaro enjoyed a successful career at Texas Tech in the run-and-gun offense, but learning the Jets’ offense will be a little more complex for him. He shouldn’t struggle too much with the learning curve and will be an instant upgrade in New York’s offense.

Amaro could have some appeal as a decent TE-2 in fantasy football this year.  One of the main reasons is that quarterback Geno Smith will be comfortable looking to him as a safety blanket due to his massive frame. Amaro’s long catch radius will allow him to fight for contested catches. He also has respectable speed that can make him a legitimate weapon for the Jets to work with.

He will certainly not garner a lot of attention from fantasy owners, but he could easily be a player worth taking with a late-round draft pick and stashing on the bench. The tight end position is not one that offers a lot of consistency in fantasy football, so being able to own a pass catching or “move” tight end is sometimes more valuable to a fantasy owner. That is why taking a player like Amaro makes perfect sense in any type of league, not just PPR.

Alexander Muir is a writer at Rant Sports.com. Follow him on Twitter @AmuirAlex, “Like” him on Facebook or add him on your network on Google.


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