This is probably his last year on the practice squad anyway and I'd imagine he doesn't have more eligibility beyond 2015. But it sounds like he's ready to contribute and made a bunch of progress. Seems very confident in his ability. Maybe we'll see him on the active roster this season. Here's a good read: We moved him to RT. Runs a 4.6 at 6'6 - 300+ pounds, probably strong as an ox. Wish he would have done college wrestling the last few years to really understand hand placement, leverage, balance, just technique overall. His athletic skills won't get him anywhere until he figures out what to do with his hands.
The stats on paper look impressive, just hope he's not a Gholston in disguise. I was rooting for Ghost when we picked him at #6, and a bunch of members on here said he was a workout warrior before the draft. They ended being right which is sad to say the least.
Penn State fan, watched 4 PSU-Ohio State games never saw him make a tackle, when we drafted him I asked who he was, now I know why he never made a tackle
Sheldon is (probably) out. Todd said he wants to see him warm up before he makes a decision so maybe this is just insurance.
Based on what? He played two weeks of training camp and maybe three series of a preseason game. This is why I question what you post, because you throw out blanket statements based on nothing. One would assume his blocking would be better after a year but there's probably a reason he was the 3rd tightend coming into preseason. He was the 24th ranked run blocking tightend last season and 33rd ranked pass blocking tightend. With that being said he certainly would've helped this pass offense over the middle of the field. The problem would've been the predictability when he's in the game is that it'll most likely be a pass. Similar to Jimmy Graham. Go check Seattle's running game splits and how much better they are at running the ball with him out of the game. And while Amaro looks like he'll be a good pass catcher I doubt he'll be Jimmy Graham. Hate one dimensional players and I liked the pick, but I think I'd prefer a Benjamin Watson, Delanie Walker or Brent Celek. The benefits to the edge of the running game with a good blocking tightend that can actually run a route here and there are a vastly underrated part of an offense.
You question why I'd have high hopes for a 2nd round pick in his 2nd year who showed tremendous improvement as a blocker until he got hurt? A guy who would be a matchup nightmare as an HB in Chan's offense, with his size and skillset? Were you asleep during camp? Did you even bother to see for just a day what these guys are doing out there? To me that's where it all starts. If you struggle in camp you probably won't have a great year. If you do great in camp odds are you will probably have a decent season. Jace looked excellent when he was picking up the blitz, blocking guys like Pace, Babin, Mauldin, Reilly, 1 on 1. Are they Watt? No. But it's a start, those are NFL quality, starting linebackers and situational pass rushers he'd have to deal with on a weekly basis. And he looked great in 1 on 1's. He was light years ahead of where he was at last year, and that type of blocking is rare for an HB. You don't see HB's be able to take on big pass rushers because HB's are usually very undersized. Delanie Walker is a good example, same with Enunwa. So yeah, I had high hopes for Jace playing that type of role and what he brings to the table. I especially love how you question my take on him and then you go on and on talking about Jimmy Graham and how he's not gonna be that. What are you smoking? They play two different positions, they aren't even in the same world right now. Well, right now maybe considering how awful Graham is playing the traditional TE position instead of lining up outside which is probably the only thing he does well. Amaro is or at least was supposed to be our HB this year, lining up in the backfield, doing what Enunwa does, at least some of it. Enunwa is switching back & forth between HB and WR, Amaro was going to be the HB. And yes, he would be a matchup nightmare for linebackers or corners out of the backfield. You go on an prefer a 50 year old Ben Watson who doesn't even have the slightest idea how to play the HB position or even half the talent or size/speed/upside to be the type of weapon Jace was going to be for us this year. Is he a better traditional TE? Probably. Does that have anything to do with Jace or what he was asked to do for us in Chan's offense? Not really.
I just question your bullshit assessment of him improving as a blocker, not having high hopes of him as a player. You like to often pull shit out of your ass based on nothing. He improved as a blocker based on the 9 days he was in training camp and the two or three series he played vs. the Lions before he got hurt? I doubt you were there for any of it to make this claim. I don't mind reading that one THINKS a player will improve at something. But I'm not the first guy to think you line your posts with a bunch of bullshit put together based on mostly nothing but speculation.
Here's some news for you: Nobody gives a shit. Talking about "I'd rather have Jimmy Graham". Go take a nap.
I never said I'd rather have Jimmy Graham you fucking dolt. Keep spreading your bullshit around the knowledgeable football fans on this board know you're full of shit.
@DaBallhawk and @Jonathan_Vilma Guys. it is game day. 20 minutes to go. Save your energy for the game.
Sorry. I'm not a fan of people that hide behind false statements and gets butthurt about not starting the game thread every week so does it anyway. Child.
Any news on what they are doing with Coples roster spot, or has this just degenerated into a bitchy back and forth thread?
That master-plan worked out. This was the guy Bowles had in mind all week to compensate for the loss of Coples. Superbowl here we come.
You're good man. Keep it up. Year 3 will show what Amaro's about--I hope he's training his ass off this year since he wasn't impressing TB early on.