James Casey, TE, Rice: Patriots intangibles

[ctpatsfan77]

I'm not going to make an argument as to whether or not he has the skills BB is looking for. But, according to this 2007 SI article, I'd say he's got two things going for him:

(1) Vrabel/Brown-like versatility:

So far, Rice has gotten the most out of Casey. This season, he's played quarterback, wide receiver, tight end, slot receiver, defensive end, running back, and he's the holder on the field goal team and left guard on the punt team. In the Owls' nationally televised victory over Southern Miss, Casey caught two passes for 16 yards, rushed 12 times for 38 yards and was prominently featured on both defense and offense.

(2) A good head on his shoulders:

Casey thought about playing college baseball, but his family needed money. "I was telling the scouts that if I went in the top 10 rounds of the draft and I got a fair signing bonus that I'd play professional baseball," he says. "The signing bonus was really going to help my family out."

I don't know if he would make a good Patriot, but I certainly hope he catches on somewhere.

 

[DW Toys]

I'm not going to make an argument as to whether or not he has the skills BB is looking for. But, according to this 2007 SI article, I'd say he's got two things going for him:

(1) Vrabel/Brown-like versatility:



(2) A good head on his shoulders:



I don't know if he would make a good Patriot, but I certainly hope he catches on somewhere.

I agree with you. I have him as a definite prospect they should draft for. He is BB versatile. He had over 100 catches and 13 touchdowns. The big news is he was their "wildcat" back with 57 rushing attempts at a 4.2 average and 6 TDs! He also played safety and DE at Rice. I think he fits like a Dallas Clark role on the Pats. Flex him slightly.
DW Toys

 

[ctpatsfan77]

I agree with you. I have him as a definite prospect they should draft for. He is BB versatile. He had over 100 catches and 13 touchdowns. The big news is he was their "wildcat" back with 57 rushing attempts at a 4.2 average and 6 TDs! He also played safety and DE at Rice. I think he fits like a Dallas Clark role on the Pats. Flex him slightly.
DW Toys

Here's another article on the TE they call Thor:

"I’ve talked to one general manager and one scouting director who said he might be the best athlete they saw all year," said Jeff Nalley, Casey’s agent. "I mean, how many guys can do all the things that he can do. I can’t name any in the NFL."

Considering he can throw a fastball more than 90 miles an hour, played seven positions in one game his freshman year, carries a 3.84 grade-point average with a triple major in economics, managerial studies and sports management, and has a wife at home, not many.

By the way, those seven positions were QB, RB, WR, TE, DE, kick coverage, and kick holder.

After reading this story you can't help but root for the guy. As I said before, even if he doesn't wear a Flying Elvis, I still hope he does well for himself.

 

[VJCPatriot]

INterestingly enough, I think BB said he considered Gostkowski's baseball experience as a plus. So perhaps that would also apply to Casey. I had the Pats taking him in the second round in my precombine mock. Let's see if the combine itself moves his stock up or down.

 

[dryheat44]

INterestingly enough, I think BB said he considered Gostkowski's baseball experience as a plus. So perhaps that would also apply to Casey. I had the Pats taking him in the second round in my precombine mock. Let's see if the combine itself moves his stock up or down.

BB considered Gost's pitching experience a plus because he showed he could perform under intense pressure, something kickers have to be.

I don't think the fact that a prospect played baseball in itself (and their seems to be a half dozen or more that played minor league BB in this draft) is regarded as a plus, other than it can show some athleticism and/or competitiveness....but so do things like track and field, tennis, and soccer.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

BB considered Gost's pitching experience a plus because he showed he could perform under intense pressure, something kickers have to be.

I don't think the fact that a prospect played baseball in itself (and their seems to be a half dozen or more that played minor league BB in this draft) is regarded as a plus, other than it can show some athleticism and/or competitiveness....but so do things like track and field, tennis, and soccer.

He also threw javelin on the track team. . . .

 

[tombonneau]

Funny, in their blog today, the guys at Pats Football Weekly came away impressed with another Rice product:

(sorry no link, copied from my RSS reader)

Remember this name: Jarett Dillard.

He looks and sounds like the prototypical Patriot. The 5-10, 185-pound WR from Rice left the small Texas school as its all-time leading receiver and an NCAA record-setter. The kid was poised, articulate, and confident yet humble in his interview with the media.

I asked him about where he envisioned playing in the NFL, position-wise, and he said he’d probably be better off starting in the slot and perhaps working his way to the outside. Exactly the kind of scenario the Pats would be looking for in a rookie receiver. He could be a great fit as a #3 option in New England’s offense.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

Here's a YouTube with highlights of the mighty Thor, including the Thor package itself.

 

[primetime]

By the way, those seven positions were QB, RB, WR, TE, DE, kick coverage, and kick holder.

After reading this story you can't help but root for the guy. As I said before, even if he doesn't wear a Flying Elvis, I still hope he does well for himself.

Holy crap. And a 3.84 at Rice with a triple major is pretty unbelievable too. Academically, Rice is pretty close to the Ivies. Sporting News had the Patriots taking him in the second round a week or two ago.

He's a good blocker and creates mismatches receiving. He's not a burner by any stretch but he compares to Dallas Clark and Chris Cooley as an H-back flex type guy. I'd take either of them over Ben Watson in a blink.

 

[Seneschal2]

WR Jarett Dillard...

Funny, in their blog today, the guys at Pats Football Weekly came away impressed with another Rice product: Jarett Dillard.

Yeah, Dillard is one of my Pats prospects. He's being called, "One of the most productive receivers in college football history."

In addition to his production, he has consistent hands, and the ability to get open with his solid route running. Not real fast (4.53), but has impressive athleticism with the 3rd best vertical of 42.5 along with a 10' 9" BJ. Perhaps it's his size (5'10 1/4 191), or lack of speed, but no one here really mentions him.

Decided to focus on the good hands/solid route running receivers this draft, while avoiding the raw talent/high upside speedsters with inconsistent hands and routes. I think it's time to find those who are more NFL-ready as route runners (less developmental time), as getting open is the name of the game. Have Dillard as a R2-3 prospect. Robiskie and McKinley are two others I'm considering.

 

[sg14]

The versatility reminds me of Cassel, also

Here's another article on the TE they call Thor:



By the way, those seven positions were QB, RB, WR, TE, DE, kick coverage, and kick holder.

After reading this story you can't help but root for the guy. As I said before, even if he doesn't wear a Flying Elvis, I still hope he does well for himself.