[NY2FLDWC85]

[QUOTE=Savage69;4503069]Really?? More then Mickey Shuler?? And don't give me Shuler played longer you just said Keller was the most productive..:rolleyes:[/QUOTE]

If the only TE that you could actually come up with, is Mickey Shuler, who was drafted back in 1978 as the only pass catching TE that's been better than Keller? That just goes to show that it's been a long time coming in regards to having a pass catching TE talent such as Dustin Keller. Thank you for helping me prove my point. I've been waiting for someone to mention Mickey Shuler. As if it's a knock on Dustin Keller. Shuler may have higher career numbers, but that doesn't mean that he was always more productive when compared to Dustin Keller.

Shuler: 12 years, 438 receptions, 4,189 receiving yards, 9.5 yards per reception, 37 TD's.

Keller: 04 years, 213 receptions, 2,559 receiving yards, 12.0 yards per receptions, 15 TD's.

It's obvious that Keller is on the verge of becoming the Jets greatest pass catching TE of all-time.

Lets take a look at how Shuler's first 4 seasons of play holds up against Keller's first 4 years in the league. To be fair, I won't use Shulers first 4 years, I'll use his first 4 seasons (there's a difference).

Shuler: 57 receptions, 649 receiving yards, 11.3 yards per receptions, 11 TD's.

Keller: 213 receptions, 2,559 receiving yards, 12.0 yards per receptions, 15 TD's.

It's no question in regards to which TE has gotten off to a much better/more productive start to their respected careers. One thing is for sure, Dustin Keller is on the verge of going down as the greatest pass catching TE in Jets franchise history.

But, since Shuler never became a full time starter until his 7th season, to be fair to Shuler, lets take a look at Shuler's first 4 years as a stater when compared to Keller's first 4 years as a starter.

Shuler: 256 receptions, 2,770 receiving yards, 10.0 yards per receptions, 20 TD's.

Keller: 213 receptions, 2,559 receiving yards, 12.0 yards per receptions, 15 TD's.

Keller's first 4 seasons when including the playoffs?

Keller: 239 receptions, 2,861 receiving yards, 11.9 yards per reception, 18 TD's.

Shuler put up those numbers during his 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th years in the league. He had a lot more experience when compared to Dustin Keller who's just now scratching the surface after coming off a career year.

But when it's all said and done?

Shuler played 12 years and averaged 36.5 receptions, 401.5 receiving yards, 11.0 yards per reception and 3.0 TD's per season.

Keller played 4 years and averages 53.25 receptions, 639.75 receiving yards, 12.0 yards per reception and 3.75 TD's per season.

So, I'll agree to agree with you Savage69; That Shuler is the most productive Jets TE of all-time (numbers wise). But if Keller plays another two-three seasons as a Jet? He'll break Shuler's record for receiving yards and possibly receptions and TD's. Keller's on pace of doing what Shuler did in 12 years, in only half that time of 6 years. Maybe even 7 years.

Keller only needs 1,631 receiving yards to pass Shuler. That's an average of 815.5 receiving yards per season over the next two seasons. He should get it done. Especially considering the fact that he's gone from 522, 687 and 815 receiving yards during each of the past 3 seasons. He continues to improve. He's 22 TD's away from passing Shuler in TD receptions. He'll have to average 11 TD's per season over the next two years or 7.3 TD's per season over the next 3 years to do so. I believe he'll get it done. In regards to receptions? He's 225 receptions behind Shuler. Considering the fact that Keller has put up 45, 55 and 65 receptions each of the past 3 years, there's no reason to believe that Keller can't/won't average 75 receptions over the next 3 years; which would put him at 438 receptions. Good enough to tie Shuler.

In closing, just the fact that we have to mention a pass catching TE that our franchise drafted back in 1978 (30 years before the drafting of Keller), as the only pass catching TE that ranks up there with Keller's production after only 4 years of developing (3 with a very raw QB in Sanchez); just goes to show why, as a long time Jets fan; I feel that Keller is a keeper.