Very few, if any, would argue that Ernest Wilford is a lock for a roster spot in 2010. The former receiver turned tight end is not much of a blocker and isn't quite the receiving threat that Marcedes Lewis and Zach Miller provide. If the Jaguars choose to keep a third tight end, which is very likely considering the Jaguars have often had 4 on the roster, it will likely be a battle between three players. Incumbent Ernest Wilford, Zach Potter who spent most of the 2009 season on the Jaguars practice squad, and undrafted free agent Mike Caussin of James Madison.
During his time at JMU, Caussin developed into a fan favorite finishing his career with the Dukes with 14 touchdowns. His size and athleticism give him a shot to develop into an NFL quality receiving threat. At 6'5, 252 pounds, Caussin is only slightly smaller than Marcedes Lewis and a full 2 inches taller and 20 pounds heavier than Zach Miller. His 40 time (4.77) also falls between Miller (4.53) and Lewis (4.80). As of now, he's a pass catching tight end, which seems to be in an abundance in Jacksonville, but he has the frame to build on and become a blocker in the future.
A team captain at James Madison, Caussin is a person with good character, which as we all know is very important to Gene Smith. To have a chance to earn a roster spot, Caussin will likely have to prove that he can be a better receiving target than Ernest Wilford. If not, Caussin is a good candidate to have on the practice squad as he adds muscle and adjusts to the jump in talent.
Video Killed the Scouting Report
Mike Caussin: By the Numbers
| Mike Caussin | |||||
|
Position 1: Tight End |
Height: 6'5 | ||||
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Position 2: N/A |
Weight: 252 | ||||
| Class: Senior | Age: ? | ||||
| Bench Reps: 23 |
40 Time: 4.77 |
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Stats Overview
Receiving
Rushing
Fumbles
YEAR
REC
YDS
AVG
LNG
TD
ATT
YDS
AVG
LNG
TD
FUM
LST
2006
5
61
12.2
0
2
0
0
0.0
0
0
0
0
2007
18
279
15.5
28
3
0
0
0.0
0
0
0
0
2008
18
231
12.8
36
5
0
0
0.0
0
0
0
0
2009
25
438
17.5
65
4
0
0
0.0
0
0
0
0
According to the Experts:
Caussin played four years at FCS program James Madison and did not participate in the NFL combine, so he's not one of the marquee names in the draft. That doesn't mean he couldn't mature into an effective pass-catching tight end. He has good speed for the position, as he can reportedly run the 40-yard dash in the vicinity of 4.5 seconds. Caussin enjoyed his best season statistically as a senior, catching 25 passes for 438 yards - both career highs - and four touchdowns, including a career-long 65-yarder. That came Sept. 19 in a 44-16 victory over VMI - a game in which he also had a 26-yard TD reception and finished with 145 yards on three catches. In his collegiate finale, a Nov. 21 win over Towson, Caussin hauled in a career-best seven passes for 75 yards. His performance in 2009 earned him third team All-Colonial Athletic Association honors. Already a strong receiver, Caussin may need to add some muscle to be an adequate blocking tight end at the next level. It's possible a team may take a flyer on Caussin in the final two rounds of the draft. Otherwise, he'll find himself in the free agent pool, where he should draw some interest.
Pros
Very good hands. Has legitimate 4.80 speed and knows how to use it. Gets own the seam. Adjusts to the ball. Snatches and turns up field. Has gotten better every year and works to improve. Improving blocker who gives good effort.
Cons
Lacks size, speed and strength you would expect from a draftable prospect, and that is what keeps him as a UDFA, unless, some team sees through all that--and someone might.