James Casey, TE - Round 5, 152nd Overall

[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!

[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.

[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]

Originally Posted by HPF Bob

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.

[Roy P]

Originally Posted by 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.

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.