Houston Texans GM Nick Caserio talks drafting TE Cade Stover and what lies ahead for him

The Houston Texans are in a nice position heading into the 2024 NFL season after reloading their already strong roster. The offseason was one of the best we’ve seen in a while, with the addition of star players everywhere and additional depth to go along with it.

Much of what the Texans have been able to build has come from the work of general manager Nick Caserio. Caserio took over as general manager in 2021 and since then, the Texans have been on an upward trend thanks to the plan he and his team developed.

READ MORE: Texans Rank Fifth in CBS Sports Top 100 Players in 2024

Caserio was involved in part of the NFL draft process. He’s been reasonably accurate with his shots since stepping into his role, which has been especially evident in his top two selections in the 2023 draft with the selections of CJ Stroud and Will Anderson Jr.

Caserio and the Texans’ 2024 draft class may not be as eye-popping as they were a year ago, but they still believe they’ve found a few stars in the making. Caserio joined Payne & Pendergast on SportsRadio 610 and discussed one of those high-potential players, Cade Stover, specifically the decision that led to his fourth-round selection.

“We moved up a few spots, made the pick just to make sure we could secure Cade and get him into the team; so I mean, he’s a player that’s probably two years old,” Caserio said. “We were talking about trying to get on the football team, but in every person you talk to, from Billy Davis to CJ (Stroud), to the coaches at Ohio State and our interview at the combine- combine, I mean, this guy walked out of the room during the combine, we all looked at each other like, “Alright, we’re done talking about this guy.”

The knowledge gained over years of scouting significantly accelerated the selection of Stover, 123rd overall. Stover is coming off back-to-back seasons at Ohio State, throwing for over 400 receiving yards and five touchdowns, and will look to step up in touches as we enter training camp.

Caserio continued his exclusive interview by acknowledging that Stover came in and exemplified the type of character and effort Will Anderson Jr. had when he entered the league before explaining how he would adapt to the system and that he still has some development to do before reaching his true potential.

“Cade kind of fits our system and he definitely has some work ahead of him,” he said. “He’s not a finished product, but he’s got the right mindset. He’s got a good attitude. And the one thing about him is he’s got really good hands and he catches the ball. So you’re just talking about looking for easy passes, there’s a 6, 8, 7, 8 yard opportunity, you’re on second and three, keep the chains moving, I mean, Kiddo’s a. dynamic player, I would say there are not many players like him in the world so we will see how it goes.

As Caserio mentioned, Stover still has a way to go to become that reliable tight end who can play almost every down, but he has the potential to get there. The former linebacker converted to tight end will have to earn his snaps in the Texans offense as he will have an uphill climb to snatch some from clear starter Dalton Schultz and former Miami Hurricanes star Brevin Jordan.

READ MORE: CBS Sports Ranks Former Texans LB As Most Notable Departure Of The Offseason

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