James Casey, TE - Round 5, 152nd Overall

[Keith]

Another TE... logjam!

[James]

Spelling the end of Owen Daniels!?

[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......

[nunusguy]

Spelling the end of Owen Daniels!?
Actually I'm OK with that, because Daniels is a systems guy and Casey could also be that. But why stick with the high tender in FA, couldn't they've got
the next step down (just a single first-rounder). I mean 2 TEs in one Draft, what a waste of valuble Draft picks. Of course they may trade him yet ?

[Nconroe]

That is two nice tight ends,

NFL has a nice analysis http://www.nfl.com/draft/2009/profiles/james-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/football/2009/draft/players/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]

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]

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

Doesn't Dressen have some long snapping experience?

[dadmg]

Doesn't Dressen have some long snapping experience?

You are correct, good sir.

[dadmg]

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]

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]

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.

[TexanJedi]

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.

I think you've got it right. Anyone want to trade a big back for Dreesen? (didn't think so)

[kravix]

He is so versitile it is crazy.. But back to back TE's? I didnt think Dresson was that bad, and I think Casey has a better shot at the team that Dresson does. This kid could be an ace in the hole to keep defences on their toes. He could also go along way towards seeing more double TE sets like the kid before him.

[dalemurphy]

He is so versitile it is crazy.. But back to back TE's? I didnt think Dresson was that bad, and I think Casey has a better shot at the team that Dresson does. This kid could be an ace in the hole to keep defences on their toes. He could also go along way towards seeing more double TE sets like the kid before him.

Kubiak seems to love the idea of having a gaggle of TEs. He seemed giddy about the versatility the group of TEs allows on gameday. So, I think they are hoping all 4 guys can make the team and they see ways to have all 4 active on game days.

[NickO]

I'm guessing most of the amateur draftniks in the forum had Casey going a lot higher than this. This seems like a player who was so high on the Texans' draft board that it didn't matter what position he played. Since I'm a definite BPA guy, I like it.

[machoneil]

Talk on the radio this AM voiced concerns about needing TEs who could block the blitzing OLB of the 34, one-on-one. Apparently we didn't have that last season, and instead relied on double teams.

[TexanJedi]

I was reading this morning that Caldwell is considered a terrific long snapper (he seemed to do fine as I recall from watching many Alabama games), so we have depth at long snapper. Yeah! :D

[NBT]

Has OD signed a new contract? Could he be on the trade block? Seems somewhat likely now that we have all these TE/HBk/slot rcvr/long snapper prospects (suspects?). Maybe they are sending OD a message, as well as Dunta?

[jppaul]

Yeah I don't think we are going to keep a roster spot for a LS, instead I think we are going to carry 4 TEs. Caldwell is the first string LS and backup C or starting C depending on what happens in TC. Casey is the backup LS and TE/versatility player. Dreesen is Daniels backup. Daniels is the starter and Hill is our blocking tight end.

I thin we carry 4 this year.

[Roy P]

I'm guessing most of the amateur draftniks in the forum had Casey going a lot higher than this. This seems like a player who was so high on the Texans' draft board that it didn't matter what position he played. Since I'm a definite BPA guy, I like it.

Rick Smith did say that he would draft an offensive player if they were rated way higher than any defensive player on the board. I suppose that holds true in the 5th round, not just the 1st.

I'm starting to wonder if we try to prove a point about pass-catching TEs being a commodity in the System. Remember when Denver could throw any RB in the back field and get production? If OD wants Clinton Portis money, maybe we'll trade him for Champ Bailey. There's an analogy in there somewhere.

[HPF Bob]

The Broncos under Shanahan/Kubiak used a lot of hybrid FB/H-Back/TE types. This kid is very versatile. I would not be hung up on the "TE" label. I think he might be groomed to fill several spots. I also would not be shocked if he winds up on the practice squad the first year so he can be developed while the Daniels/Dreesen/Hill logjam works itself out.

Daniels might make attractive trade bait since he has posted some great numbers for the position. I wonder how much OD's untimely turnovers are part of the issue here - a desire by the Texans to give the job to somebody who hangs onto the ball better than OD does.

[Roy P]

I also would not be shocked if he winds up on the practice squad the first year so he can be developed while the Daniels/Dreesen/Hill logjam works itself out.

Wouldn't you be afraid that some other team would come in and snag him off the Practice Squad? I think he'll stick on the active roster, if nothing else, he'll be the LS on game day.

[da Bull]

I would think that with Casey's athletic ability he'd be more than a long snapper. He might turn out to be a bit of a "head-hunter" on the punt team. Furthermore, most of the picks beyond Cadwell seem to be at least special teams upgrades and not targeted starters. So, maybe with this draft the team is starting to accumulate quality depth.