NFL: Second-Year Players Who Will Turn Heads

Oct 12, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets tight end

(88) scores a touchdown defended by Denver Broncos strong safety

(43) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

Jace Amaro, New York Jets

Position: Tight End

Age: 22

Drafted: Round 2, Pick 49

2014 Season Statistics: 14 GP, 38 receptions, 53 targets, 345 yards, 2 touchdowns, 20 first downs

The New York Jets completed a stunning talent reload during the 2015 NFL offseason. They reaffirmed the defense with the likes of Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie, and bolstered the offense with Brandon Marshall, Stevan Ridley and Zac Stacy.

There will be a significant number of mouths for Geno Smith to feed on offense, but that shouldn’t stop Jace Amaro from having a breakout season at tight end.

The appeal with Amaro is clear as day: he is a big, big man. He stands at 6’5″ and 265 pounds, which is frightening when one considers just how athletically gifted he is.

Amaro ran a 4.74 40-yard dash, hit a 33.0-inch vertical leap, a 4.30-second 20-yard shuttle and a 12.26-second 60-yard shuttle, per NFL.com.

Those marks all qualified as Top 5 for his position at the 2014 NFL Draft Combine. Throw in his size and it’s clear why he was a few college injuries away from first-round status.

If Amaro can stay healthy, he can be a genuine impact player for Smith and the Jets.

Next: Can He Overcome the Injury?