Opinions on James Casey from Rice?

[Woods]

I cannot fault the argument that as an older player, he will be close to 30 when he is peaking, nor do I fault the argument that the position does not have sufficient value/importance to rank a 3rd rounder or earlier. There are other FB/H-Backs I like, but are obviously less proven, less productive.


What I will argue, is if Casey is rated higher than any of the remaining safeties, it would be a foolish to reach for that position. Reaching for a need is what got Jerry and the Cowboys in trouble in the late 90's. Drafting backups as well. Jerry and Stephen have recognized this and now draft towards BPA and fit. Drafting playmakers who are also leader/high character guys would be the best "mistake" the Cowboys could make.


Owens is gone. Roy Williams is unproven. Witten & the RBs will surely be the target of opposing D's. It would be nice to have another weapon for Romo, who is also a clear upgrade to Deon Anderson, in every way.


It is the rare team who has a playmaker at EVERY offensive skill position. Who do you scheme against? That is a nice problem to bring against opposing teams next season.

I tend to agree with you.

If an equivalent Safety or LB is there, take the greater need position. Or trade down, if possible.

Just don't reach for a Safety or LB because we need one.

As for impact from a FB position (or H-Back), Moose is a good example. He was a 2nd round pick, if I remember correctly, even though he played FB.

I think a guy like Carey in the 3rd could be very good value. And he could be a similar weapon as Cooley, IMO. Also, He could line up as FB, WR, TE, etc.

I'm not saying this is a need position. All I'm saying if he's your clear top guy in that round, and you can't trade down, take him rather than reaching.

 

[SDogo]

I tend to agree with you.

If an equivalent Safety or LB is there, take the greater need position. Or trade down, if possible.

Just don't reach for a Safety or LB because we need one.

As for impact from a FB position (or H-Back), Moose is a good example. He was a 2nd round pick, if I remember correctly, even though he played FB.

I think a guy like Carey in the 3rd could be very good value. And he could be a similar weapon as Cooley, IMO. Also, He could line up as FB, WR, TE, etc.

I'm not saying this is a need position. All I'm saying if he's your clear top guy in that round, and you can't trade down, take him rather than reaching.

When Moose was drafted we had no FB and a offense that utilized the position.

Again, I'm not sure where the idea that Casey has the agility or speed to line up at WR. His latest 40 time only proves that and even at Rice against top notch compition he struggled to get separation. He would get chewed up in the NFL by DB's and struggle against most LB's that he would see playing TE.

We do not need to reach for a S or LB but if we take Casey in the 2nd or 3rd we would be reaching for a position of non need. There will be several OL, WR, DL, DB's or even RB and QB's that will rank higher that I would rather take over Casey and RB is the only position we don't have a need for s starter or for depth.

My problem with Casey is he does not have a true position, does not have the athletic ability to set himself apart in the NFL, has only 2 years off college football expierence at a "small" school, has not faced the level of compition you like to see, is going to be 25 years old in September, played in a spread attack at Rice which inflated his numbers, he has almost zero expierence lining up at TE which is what he is projected to play in the NFL and he is not a great blocker.

I don't doubt the guys toughness or his high character and I don't doubt he could be a solid player in the right system for the right team. If this discussion was about what we though of Casey in the NFL I would say he is a high risk/reward project for some team that can afford to develop him although because of his age has limited upside but this discussion is about Casey and if he's the right pick for Dallas and it's just not a match that makes any sense.

 

[Woods]

When Moose was drafted we had no FB and a offense that utilized the position.

Again, I'm not sure where the idea that Casey has the agility or speed to line up at WR. His latest 40 time only proves that and even at Rice against top notch compition he struggled to get separation. He would get chewed up in the NFL by DB's and struggle against most LB's that he would see playing TE.

We do not need to reach for a S or LB but if we take Casey in the 2nd or 3rd we would be reaching for a position of non need. There will be several OL, WR, DL, DB's or even RB and QB's that will rank higher that I would rather take over Casey and RB is the only position we don't have a need for s starter or for depth.
My problem with Casey is he does not have a true position, does not have the athletic ability to set himself apart in the NFL, has only 2 years off college football expierence at a "small" school, has not faced the level of compition you like to see, is going to be 25 years old in September, played in a spread attack at Rice which inflated his numbers, he has almost zero expierence lining up at TE which is what he is projected to play in the NFL and he is not a great blocker.

I don't doubt the guys toughness or his high character and I don't doubt he could be a solid player in the right system for the right team. If this discussion was about what we though of Casey in the NFL I would say he is a high risk/reward project for some team that can afford to develop him although because of his age has limited upside but this discussion is about Casey and if he's the right pick for Dallas and it's just not a match that makes any sense.

OK, I better understand your opinion with what I've bolded in your quote.

If you think Casey is a reach in the 2nd or 3rd round, then I completely understand your position.

 

[cowboyjoe]

Casey throws in another wrinkle

Versatile back shows off arm to NFL scouts
By MEGAN MANFULL Copyright 2009 Houston Chronicle
March 26, 2009, 11:41PM
1 2

Warren Chronicle
NFL scouts time quarterback Chase Clement as he participates in a drill during Rice’s pro day at Rice Stadium on Thursday.

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AP | USA Today Top 25 | BCS Rice football coach David Bailiff watched closely as James Casey threw passes during the team’s pro day Thursday.

With a total of 35 NFL scouts littering the field at Rice Stadium, Casey launched one pass after another toward his targets downfield. It was Casey’s idea to throw, showcasing yet another of his talents. And scouts kept a watchful eye, realizing just why Bailiff had hoped Casey would return to Rice for one more season and become the Owls’ starting quarterback.

“He threw the ball pretty well,” said C.O. Brocato, Tennessee Titans national coordinator of college scouting. “He threw the long ball down the road. That isn’t any problem.

“I thought he was just what he was. Runs good routes, catches the ball, nothing fancy. Just plays football. And that’s what I like — football players.”

It was the first time scouts were able to see Casey throw, and it was the highlight of a pro day in which 28 NFL teams sent scouts. Three other Owls — Jarett Dillard, Chase Clement and Brian Raines — also participated. UH will hold its pro day for NFL scouts today.

Casey, who is slated to be drafted as an H-back or tight end, was aggressive in his pro day — asking to throw some passes and even running the 40-yard dash again. He recorded a faster 40 time on some stopwatches than he had at the NFL scouting combine in February, and his strong arm and accuracy also interested those watching.

Afterward, Casey admitted it was difficult to walk away from Rice knowing he could have been the quarterback next season.

Age factors into decision
“I told the team what made the decision the hardest was that I would have liked to come back and play quarterback,” said Casey, who was a quarterback in high school. “ But my age (24) being a big deal and being married, I just thought it was best to come out now.”

Bailiff looks forward to seeing where Casey lands and just how his new team utilizes his many talents. The third-year coach would have liked him at quarterback, though. He has been impressed with Casey’s arm since he first saw him throw two years ago after a spring practice.

“I’d never seen anyone throw the football like he was throwing the football,” Bailiff said. “I mean, in my life and at NFL training camps, I’d never seen anything like it.”

That’s why Bailiff immediately started having Casey attend meetings with the quarterbacks, despite the fact Casey was practicing at defensive end at the time. Bailiff had Casey continue meeting with the quarterbacks every day last season in hopes of having him take over for Clement next season.

While Casey won’t get that opportunity at Rice , he does hope an NFL team takes a chance on him and possibly lets him throw the ball once in a while.

Second-round candidate
“I was really hoping to go out and show my versatility and be able to go out and do some throwing,” said Casey, who is projected to be a second-round draftee. “A lot of teams probably didn’t care for it, because they don’t run the wildcat stuff. But maybe there were some teams who were excited to see it, and maybe they envision being able to try me out at it and use me there.”

megan.manfull@chron.com

 

[Woods]

Second-round candidate
“I was really hoping to go out and show my versatility and be able to go out and do some throwing,” said Casey, who is projected to be a second-round draftee. “A lot of teams probably didn’t care for it, because they don’t run the wildcat stuff. But maybe there were some teams who were excited to see it, and maybe they envision being able to try me out at it and use me there.”

========================================

Another wildcat candidate?

He does seems like an excellent football player. Seems like he can do it all at various positions.

Anyway, it will be interesting to see how he fares in the NFL.

 

[SDogo]

OK, I better understand your opinion with what I've bolded in your quote.

If you think Casey is a reach in the 2nd or 3rd round, then I completely understand your position.

Yeah, I'm not sure where the opinion came that I felt we had to draft a S or LB. I kind of figured out what was going on after reading all the posts again.

Also don't get me wrong, if Casey is sitting there in the 4th I would hope Dallas would jump all over him. Unless some guys really started to slide that would be great value for Dallas.

 

[Woods]

Guys, I think Dallas really likes this guy . . . .

per Mosley

If you're trying to determine who the Cowboys will select at No. 51, I'd memorize the names on this list from Todd Archer. And the tight end from Rice, James Casey, is a guy the Cowboys' personnel department loves. It's just that the team's sort of stacked at that position right now.

 

[RS12]

Again Charean Williams said the three guys Jerry likes with wild cat possibilities are Pat White, McGee, and Casey all FWIW. I just hope if they take Casey early he does not turn into Eric Bjornsen the rerun. Another guy with no true position who was gonna be the next Novacek.

 

[Woods]

Again Charean Williams said the three guys Jerry likes with wild cat possibilities are Pat White, McGee, and Casey all FWIW. I just hope if they take Casey early he does not turn into Eric Bjornsen the rerun. Another guy with no true position who was gonna be the next Novacek.

I'm increasingly thinking we will take either an OL (likely OC/OG) or LB in Round 2.

If Casey falls to Round 3, it wouldn't surprise me if the staff want Casey.

 

[dmoore]

Why would we take a guy just to play in the wildcat? Just because some teams run it doesn't mean everybody needs to. If it's that big a deal, but Crayton under center. Casey would be a wasted pick, even in round 3. Nothing against him, but we just have absolutely no need for his services.

 

[SDogo]

Why would we take a guy just to play in the wildcat? Just because some teams run it doesn't mean everybody needs to. If it's that big a deal, but Crayton under center. Casey would be a wasted pick, even in round 3. Nothing against him, but we just have absolutely no need for his services.

They wont.......

 

[silverbear]

IMO, Casey is a very intriguing prospect.

I don't see him as a typical in-line TE because he doesn't have the necessary size.

However, I'm wondering if he could play H-Back/FB?

He does have decent size to play that role, and I'd guess he could always put on another 10 lbs or so, if necessary.

I thought he could create multiple mis-matches against defenses for us.

We could go with 1 TE (Witten) and play him at FB, or split him wide at WR on occasion, or go with a 3 TE set and pass or run out of it.

I think he could offer a LOT more versatility than Cricket, for example.

From what I've read, he can block in space as well.

Also, he has no character issues and is serious about the game.

Casey is a brilliant talent that the Cowboys have reportedly fallen in love with, but I don't see him as a good fit in Dallas...

The reason for that can be summed up in two words-- Jason Witten... Casey has Witten-esque abilities as a receiving TE, but the Boys already have one of those... it would be hard for them to properly utilize two of them...

Still, you have to love his versatility, he can line up in the slot, he can run the ball, he can even throw it... with his strong arm, he'd be a fascinating candidate to run the Wildcat offense...

Casey will be a second or third rounder, and as long as the Boys have Jason, I can't justify them going for a TE that early (and Casey will never offer much as a blocker, certainly not what Witten does)...

But for a team that doesn't have a Pro Bowl caliber TE, James would offer 75-80 catch a season potential...

 

[silverbear]

The guy is not a lead blocker and Curtis was never resigned. Hannah is our 3rd string TE now.

Which means the Boys could use either a lead blocking FB, or a pure blocking TE...

 

[SDogo]

Which means the Boys could use either a lead blocking FB, or a pure blocking TE...

I agree and Casey offers neither. Third TE yes but you won't get much as a blocker.

 

[dbair1967]

Why would we take a guy just to play in the wildcat? Just because some teams run it doesn't mean everybody needs to. If it's that big a deal, but Crayton under center. Casey would be a wasted pick, even in round 3. Nothing against him, but we just have absolutely no need for his services.

I agree 100%

Wasted pick here.

 

[BAT]

Casey is a brilliant talent that the Cowboys have reportedly fallen in love with, but I don't see him as a good fit in Dallas...

The reason for that can be summed up in two words-- Jason Witten...

Casey will be a second or third rounder, and as long as the Boys have Jason, I can't justify them going for a TE that early (and Casey will never offer much as a blocker, certainly not what Witten does)...

And yet the Cowboys have drafted more than one that early (2nd rounders) with Witten on the roster. Not saying they will do so again, but there is certainly precedent. Besides, the poster was discussing a hybrid position H-Back/FB, not necessarily drafting Casey as a pure TE.


Cowboys also drafted Moose Johnston in the 2nd or 3rd if I recall.

 

[SDogo]

And yet the Cowboys have drafted more than one that early (2nd rounders) with Witten on the roster. Not saying they will do so again, but there is certainly precedent. Besides, the poster was discussing a hybrid position H-Back/FB, not necessarily drafting Casey as a pure TE.


Cowboys also drafted Moose Johnston in the 2nd or 3rd if I recall.

Yeah, the 2nd round of the 89' draft. You remember that team right? At the moment he was drafted he became one of our most talented ball carriers and athletic weapons.

Big difference between now and then.

 

[dbair1967]

And yet the Cowboys have drafted more than one that early (2nd rounders) with Witten on the roster. Not saying they will do so again, but there is certainly precedent. Besides, the poster was discussing a hybrid position H-Back/FB, not necessarily drafting Casey as a pure TE.

Yeah, we drafted him there for two reasons. 1, we run alot of 2 TE sets and needed a solid #2, and 2, he was probably the highest rated player on the board when we took him. Adding another TE this early now makes no sense because they clearly have two outstanding ones already here.

Cowboys also drafted Moose Johnston in the 2nd or 3rd if I recall.

They drafted him in the 2nd because he was a freight train a a lead blocker and showed the versaility to also catch the ball. Casey couldnt block out my sister, much less NFL defensive players.

He just doesnt have a position here...he'd be a total wasted pick.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

damnit dbair, learn how to quote

 

[BAT]

Yeah, the 2nd round of the 89' draft. You remember that team right? At the moment he was drafted he became one of our most talented ball carriers and athletic weapons.

Big difference between now and then.

Yes, I remember that '88-89 team, what of it? The team was bad and rebuilding, but there were greater needs and still took a FB in the 2nd. That is still a high pick, even today. The following year, even w/a 2nd round FB on the roster, Jimmy brought in Alonzo Highsmith. Gotta improve, always, even if it is at positions many fans do not think highly of.

And Moose didn't become a fixture at starter until 1990 I believe, he took a few seasons to transition from a running FB to a blocking one.