MISSION VIEJO, Calif. — The Jets signed Kellen Winslow Jr. off the scrap heap last month, but the tight end sounds confident he can have a big impact.
Winslow, who participated in Mark Sanchez’s “Jets West” camp this week, said he hopes to catch 100 passes this season.
“I average around like 72 or so,” Winslow said. “My job is to just make plays and when it comes my way make the play. I can exceed that. My goal is always to catch 100 balls. I haven’t done it yet, but that’s my goal. I want to come close.”
Winslow had 75 catches for the Buccaneers two years ago, but he played only one game with the Patriots last year and had one catch. Winslow’s career has been derailed by knee injuries. The Jets signed him after giving him a tryout at their minicamp.
Winslow said he feels ready for training camp, which begins July 25 in Cortland.
“I feel the same like every year,” he said. “Nothing has really changed. It’s all about maintaining and keeping my legs strong. That’s about it. This is a great opportunity for me and I’m very impressed with the guys out here and Mark running it. I’m just happy to be a part of it.”
Winslow appears to be in great shape. He worked out on the field with his new teammates and after the throwing session, did laps around the track at Mission Viejo High School on his bike.
The 29-year-old said he was excited to work with Sanchez and the other Jets in attendance this week.
“This is great,” he said. “I’m behind in the offense. I had a three-day minicamp so I’ve got to catch up. This is good for me learning the offense and seeing what’s Mark’s about and how he handles himself. I’m real impressed.”
* Wide receiver Stephen Hill said his knees, which have plagued him over the last year, feel good, but he still expects the Jets to start him off slow in training camp. He said he expects to practice on a limited basis.
* The full list of Jets attendees at “Jets West” are: Sanchez; running back Chris Ivory; tight ends Winslow, Konrad Reuland and Jeff Cumberland; receivers Hill, Jeremy Kerley, Clyde Gates, Vidal Hazelton, Thomas Mayo, Ryan Spadola and Jordan White.