Texans test 'jack of all trades' Casey as long snapper

[Texans34Life]

http://www.examiner.com/x-778-Housto...t-long-snapper

Is there anything James Casey can't do?

We all knew this talented athlete from Azle, Texas could play tight end and H-back.

As a quick aside, Azle is right next to Arp (birthplace of legendary basketball coach and most egregious Basketball Hall of Fame oversight Guy V. Lewis) as one of my all time favorite names of Texas towns.

Now, back to Casey.

Some of us were reminded (while others may have discovered for the first time) how well he can throw the ball during his Pro Day at Rice University a couple of weeks ago.

He was a baseball pitcher after all. Wildcat anyone?

Now we come to find out that our very own Texans have tested Casey's skills at long snapper.

This latest revelation came to me while reading Entry 4 of Casey's Draft Diary on the NFLPA website.

"The Texans have also asked me to deep snap for them," said Casey. "I did it at the Combine and was the backup deep snapper at Rice. I look at it as one more thing I can do to help a team win games."

Casey was one of fifteen local college players invited to work out at the Texans training facility yesterday.

So if you're keeping score, that would be tight end, H-back, slot receiver, wideout, fullback, quarterback and now ... long snapper James Casey to you.

That does it. I'm sold.

It's just too bad the Texans don't have an extra second round pick because that's where Casey is likely to go. I still see the Texans a bit more needy on defense and at running back, despite some of the recent free agent acquisitions.

The Texans currently own picks 15, 46, and 77 in the draft and considering other needs, I just can't see them spending their second (#46) on Casey. If the Texans were able to pick up an extra draft pick in the late second or early third via trade, then it would be easier to take a flyer on him.

Although you know Coach Kubiak likes his tight ends and fullbacks. And when you have a guy as versatile as Casey doubling as a long snapper, that frees up a valuable roster spot instead of staffing it with a one trick pony.

Casey also had a chance to show off his blocking skills for the scouts at his Pro Day - skills that are essential to his success in the NFL. "The Texans tight ends coach put me through some blocking drills," said Casey. "It’s hard to judge how well you block on a blocking dummy, but I thought I did really well."

I'm sure he did.

Need someone to run downfield on special teams? Looking to hire an second team Academic All-American who was on pace to graduate from Rice freaking University in 2 1/2 years while compiling a 3.84 GPA with a triple major in Economics, Managerial Studies and Sports Management? Still have a blue roof?

Well, you know who to call.

[m5kwatts]

No chance he's a Texan as our draft will be focused on defense (atleast the first 3 picks will be, Casey will be long gone by then). He seems like a good kid though and I hope the best for him.

[Goldensilence]

Originally Posted by m5kwatts

No chance he's a Texan as our draft will be focused on defense (atleast the first 3 picks will be, Casey will be long gone by then). He seems like a good kid though and I hope the best for him.

I don't know about the first 3 going defense. If Jenkins doesn't fall to us would could take Butler or take Smith higher then most people have him at. IMO the Rick Smith has done a fair job in addressing some defensive needs in FA allowing us to take BPA or trade back. I'm not sure about to how Smith, Cody, Davis and June will fit into our plans but we're not as desperate in need of defensive help. I also really believe the line and defensive backfield will be much better with the change in staff.

I would hope with one of the top 3 picks we look to improve the interior offensive line. It's not that we are absolutely terrible there, we could get by with the starters we have and hope they get better with more time together. However, Myers and Brisiel have a tough time once we get inside the 20 and tend to get pushed back. Pitts is also a FA next year and our depth at boht positions leaves a lot to be desired. I'd love to see Mack, Ugner or someone along those lines to bolster our line.

[TimeKiller]

Can he play OG?

Would it be ridiculous to suggest taking him 2nd with hopes to use him as a goalline back? This guy would put our offense in the category of untouchable imo

[BigBull17]

Originally Posted by TimeKiller

Can he play OG?

Would it be ridiculous to suggest taking him 2nd with hopes to use him as a goalline back? This guy would put our offense in the category of untouchable imo

I would LOVE the pick. Saves an all important roster spot if he can snap.

[TimeKiller]

I just can't imagine us using a pick higher than 4 on offense. Especially something that's not interior Oline or big RB. James Casey, Mack, Unger, a few WR have my interest but I seriously doubt the Texans go after them.

He certainly brings the football player mentality rather than the tight end mentality.