Is James Casey The Best Fit For Fullback?

Sep 21, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles tight end James Casey (85) warms up prior to the game against the Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey G. Pittenger-USA TODAY Sports

The Denver Broncos are looking to change up their offense with a position that has not been used by the team for quite some time. The fullback position is one that is rarely used by NFL teams. One player that the Broncos could look at to fill that position is a player that they signed during the off season.

New Broncos tight end James Casey was brought in as a free agent, previously playing for the Philadelphia Eagles. However, his experience working with head coach Gary Kubiak and offensive coordinator Rick Dennison gives James Casey the experience needed in order to fit well into their zone blocking scheme on offense.

Even though he is listed as a tight end, James Casey might see time as the team’s fullback during the 2015 season. With Owen Daniels and Virgil Green more likely to see the most time at the tight end position, James Casey figures to see more time as a fullback than a tight end. So, would James Casey be the best fit for the Denver Broncos at the fullback position? Let’s take a look at the players he will be going up against for that position.

The only two players I could see competing for time is Juwan Thompson and Joe Don Duncan. Juwan Thompson has some experience playing fullback during his time with the Duke Blue Devils football team. But something tells me that the Broncos are going to want to utilize him as a short down back or even spell C.J. Anderson or Montee Ball and bring a physical force to the running game. The Broncos could try for a three-headed horse attack similar to what the New York Giants utilized with Brandon Jacobs, Derrick Ward, and Ahmad Bradshaw. So, that might rule out Juwan Thompson if the Broncos go that route.

Joe Don Duncan was an interesting add for me. He was brought in during the free agency period after going undrafted during the 2014 season. With the season ending injury to Jeff Heuerman, that more than likely means that Joe Don Duncan will make the final roster. I have not seen a lot from him to give a strong case over James Casey for the position.

Because of James Casey’s experience with the coaches, his knowledge of the position and the depth chart in front of him at the tight end position, I believe that James Casey would be an ideal fit for the fullback position. Training camp and the preseason will further indicate who will win the position, but I have a hunch that James Casey will be the starting fullback in the season opener against the Baltimore Ravens.

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