James Casey, TE - Round 5, 152nd Overall

[Arky]

Yay! Nice pick - a "fan" pick. Couldn't believe he was still on the board. He'll see lots of special teams and utility man roles......

[Nconroe]

That is two nice tight ends,

NFL has a nice analysis http://www.nfl.com/draft/2009/profil...casey?id=71247
Casey is a truly remarkable athlete and person, having overcome several obstacles in his personal life and athletic career to emerge as one of the finest prospects in the 2009 NFL Draft. His focus, determination and success on the field have created a story that a Hollywood producer would love to turn into a movie.
CBS has another nice writeup http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1245173
Casey, a 24-year-old Azle product, might be the most versatile player in the draft. He was a high school quarterback who spent four seasons pitching in the White Sox's system before going to Rice, where he played several positions but was primarily used as a tight end/H-back/slot receiver last season. Casey (6-4, 246) has experience running Rice's variation of the Wildcat and could also contribute
and from SI http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/foo...ers/64350.html
Athletic, pass catching tight end with outstanding hands. Runs good routes, quickly gets into breaks and separates from defenders. Adjusts to the errant throw, extends his hands and constantly looks the pass in, making the reception away from his frame.

[jppaul]

I love this pick. I think Daniels is safe, and Casey is not meant as a replacement, but I think he is meant to compete with Joel Dreesen.

I expect we will keep 4 TEs. Daniels, Hill, LS/TE whatever his name is, and either Dreesen or Casey.

[Keith]

Originally Posted by jppaul

I expect we will keep 4 TEs. Daniels, Hill, LS/TE whatever his name is, and either Dreesen or Casey.

Clark Harris? Anyone know if Antione Caldwell can be the long snapper?

And I can't imagine a scenario outside of a trade where both Dreesen and Casey aren't on the roster. Dreesen just signed a three-year contract this offseason - as an RFA! And Casey is now the 5th round pick. He needs to make the team.

Daniels has a LOT of trade value. No doubt. But he also has a LOT of actual value ...to guys like Matt Schaub, Baby Shan, etc. Interesting pick. Casey is a terrific fit for the offense. Terrific fit.

[Rum Runner]

Originally Posted by Keith

Clark Harris? Anyone know if Antione Caldwell can be the long snapper?

Doesn't Dressen have some long snapping experience?

[dadmg]

Originally Posted by Rum Runner

Doesn't Dressen have some long snapping experience?

You are correct, good sir.

[dadmg]

Originally Posted by Keith

Interesting pick. Casey is a terrific fit for the offense. Terrific fit.

I agree. Actually brings back memories of when I first heard the Texans took Owen Daniels. Scouting report's pretty similar, although I think Casey will need at least a year of apprenticing in a pro-style offense. Good fit.

[Mike]

Originally Posted by Keith

Clark Harris? Anyone know if Antione Caldwell can be the long snapper?

And I can't imagine a scenario outside of a trade where both Dreesen and Casey aren't on the roster. Dreesen just signed a three-year contract this offseason - as an RFA! And Casey is now the 5th round pick. He needs to make the team.

Daniels has a LOT of trade value. No doubt. But he also has a LOT of actual value ...to guys like Matt Schaub, Baby Shan, etc. Interesting pick. Casey is a terrific fit for the offense. Terrific fit.

The Texans had Casey snapping during a workout. That is a hard skill, but if he can snap effectively, then we don't only carry a guy whose sole job is to snap. I think Casey can be a versatile player. I wonder if there is some Wildcat in our future?

[Warren]

Originally Posted by Mike

I think Casey can be a versatile player. I wonder if there is some Wildcat in our future?

He could also see some time at FB -- John McClain commented on the radio the other day that some teams were looking at Casey more as a FB than a TE. He did have about 100 rushing attempts at Rice. I'd love to see some Wildcat.

[edo783]

One TE is the blocking guy we have needed in short yardage situations and the other guy is an H-back, long snapper guy. IMO, the only TE that needs to worry is Dreesen as he is pretty much the same guy as OD, but a bit slower.