Notable Red Raiders Drafted In Rounds 2-3 of NFL Draft

Jace Amaro 2014 – Round 2

In 2014, the New York Jets selected one of the most unique offensive weapons in Texas Tech history with the 49th overall pick.  Tight end Jace Amaro possessed a combination of size and speed never seen before or since from a Red Raider inside receiver.

At 6-foot-5, 265-pounds and running a 4.65 40-yard dash, Amaro was a matchup nightmare for Big 12 defensive coordinators.  In three seasons at Texas Tech, Amaro totaled 138 receptions for 1,818 yards and 13 touchdowns in just 32 games.

Despite missing half of his sophomore season in 2012 due to injury, Amaro was named the 1st-team All-Big 12 tight end.  The next season was the unanimous first-team All-American tight end becoming the first Red Raider to be a unanimous All-American since Michael Crabtree in 2008.

Unfortunately, life in the NFL has not been as prosperous for Amaro.  After a solid rookie season that saw him catch 38 passes for 345 yards for a Jets team that had perhaps the worst quarterback situation in the league, a torn labrum cost him all of the 2015 season.

Prior to the 2016 season, Amaro was waived by  New York and claimed by the Tennessee Titans.  He stayed in Tennessee for one season before being cut and then claimed by the Kansas City Chiefs prior to the 2017 season.

In the 17 games he’s played in the NFL, Amaro has 41 receptions for 404 yards and two touchdowns.  But despite his NFL struggles, he will always be a favorite of Texas Tech fans for his big plays, fiery persona and on-field greatness.