If the NFL wants to get a head start on player flights for the Pro Bowl, they can go ahead and book Dustin Keller's to Honolulu right now. At least that's what the New York Jets tight end told Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News.
"I definitely feel that Im a Pro Bowl tight end," Keller said in a Saturday report. "And I feel that will happen this year."
Keller's production steadily has increased over his four seasons in the NFL and the 2008 first-round draft pick out of Purdue had career-highs of 65 receptions for 815 yards and equaled his career-high with five touchdowns in 2011. With Tony Sparano replacing Brian Schottenheimer, Keller expects his role in the offense and his production to increase.
"This is going to be my best year yet," Keller said. "I will be a huge part of this offense."
Even with a big season, Keller faces tough competition for the two tight end spots on the Pro Bowl. Rob Gronkowski, Aaron Hernandez, Antonio Gates, Owen Daniels and Jermaine Gresham each have Pro Bowls on their resumes. Of course, the Jets hope that if Keller does make the Pro Bowl, one of those players will have to be his Super Bowl replacement.
Follow Brian McIntyre on Twitter _@brianmcintyre_.
