Keller gives Sanchez a familiar target

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- After catching a pass during practice Thursday afternoon, Dustin Keller jogged toward quarterback Mark Sanchez, leaned in for a quick word and nodded with familiarity at Sanchez's brief instruction.

Throughout training camp, Sanchez has been asked about the difficulties of working with an almost entirely new receiving corps, what with the additions of wideouts Plaxico Burress, Derrick Mason and rookie Jeremy Kerley, among others.

Easily overlooked is the role of tight end Keller, who has been with Sanchez since the quarterback's rookie season in 2009 and whose rapport with the QB seems to be getting stronger. Keller said they deepened that relationship during the lockout.

"I tried to spend a lot of time with Mark so we could stay on the same page, and we wouldn't lose the connection we have," Keller said. "I watched a lot of film with him."

As those new receivers have commanded much of the attention in camp, Keller has quietly resumed his role as one of Sanchez's trusted outlets. He had 55 catches, 687 yards and five touchdowns last season, career highs all, but seems content to let the spotlight swing to everyone around him. "That's fine with me," said Keller, 26. "[Teams] can overlook me and then hopefully I'll have a big day."

Keller has been hanging close with new offensive consultant Tom Moore, formerly of the Indianapolis Colts, who saw tight ends Dallas Clark and Marcus Pollard develop into leading receivers at their position.

"He's a very, very talented athlete," Moore said of Keller. "He's got quickness, he's got hands, and he's just kind of coming into his own."

Keller added five pounds in an effort to improve his blocking -- an area coach Rex Ryan said he needs to continue to develop. Keller said he played at about 250 pounds last season.

"He's definitely a Pro Bowl-caliber player," Sanchez said. "Dustin is seeing how he can unlock his full potential."