Kellen Winslow Jr aims to catch close to 100 balls in 2013

MISSION VIEJO, Calif. -- Kellen Winslow, Jr., only played in a handful of snaps last season, but the former Pro Bowl tight end has set some lofty goals for himself with the Jets.

“I averaged around 72 (catches per season over my career),” Winslow said on Friday. “My job is to just make plays. When it comes my way, just make the play. I can exceed that. My goal is always to catch 100 balls. Haven’t done it yet, but that’s my goal. I want to come close.”

The Jets signed Winslow, who has 438 career receptions, including 75 in his last full season (2011), after his three-day tryout at minicamp last month. Winslow, who will turn 30 in a couple weeks, only had one reception last season before the Patriots released him. Rex Ryan praised Winslow’s skillset during minicamp, but the biggest question centers on the veteran’s ability to stay healthy. Winslow has been plagued by troublesome knees in the past few years.

It’s the likely the Jets will manage his workload when training camp begins in a couple weeks.

“I’m sure they have a plan for me,” said Winslow, who warmed up and cooled down at Mark Sanchez’s annual Jets West passing camp by biking a few laps around the track. “I’ll be in shape. They’ll take care of me.”

The Jets turned to Winslow to bolster a thin and inexperienced tight end corps that includes Jeff Cumberland and Konrad Reuland.

“I feel the same like every year,” Winslow said. “Nothing has really changed. It’s all about maintaining and keeping my legs strong. I feel good. This is a great opportunity for me.”

“I’m just coming in trying to be a piece to the puzzle and make plays for the team,” he later added. “I’m lucky to have a job so I’m just happy to be back.”

While players like Geno Smith opted to skip Mark Sanchez’s annual Jets West passing camp, it hold plenty of valuable for Winslow.

“I’m behind in the offense,” Winslow said. “I had a three-day minicamp. So I got to catch up. This is good for me learning the offense and seeing what Mark’s about and how he handles himself. I’m real impressed.”


(nydailynews.com)