After setting a Big 12 record with 106 receptions last year, New York Jets rookie Jace Amaro told reporters in May that he would like to develop into a 100-catch tight end in the NFL.
If the early training-camp signs are any indication, Amaro has a long way to go to reach that goal.
The No. 49 overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft dropped passes, fell down on an interception, ran the wrong route and incurred the wrath of quarterback Geno Smith and offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg in Wednesday's practice.
It's not the first time he's struggled with X's and O's. NFL Media's Kimberly Jones noted that Amaro failed to impress throughout the first week of camp. The former Texas Tech star "looked lost" in June's minicamp, per ESPN.com's Rich Cimini.
Mornhinweg has acknowledged that Amaro must make a "host" of adjustments to get comfortable in a pro-style system.
Amaro had missed Tuesday's practice with a bout of knee tendinitis and admits his head is spinning while trying to learn Mornhinweg's offense.
"A lot of people have high expectations for me," Amaro said, via ESPN.com. "Right now, I'm trying to figure it all out."
Going from Texas Tech's basic passing attack to the Jets' more complex system is like translating "Chinese to English," Amaro explained.
Rookies often talk about their struggles to adjust to the mental speed required to play in the NFL.
Amaro's disappointing start to camp doesn't mean the Jets have a second-round draft bust on their hands. But it does suggest he will be eased into the offense, with veteran Jeff Cumberland entering the season as the primary pass-catching tight end.
The latest Around The League Podcast talks about the good and bad out of Cowboys camp, then plays the "What's More Likely?" game.
