Rookie Profile: Cade Stover, Tight End, Houston Texans
Welcome to the Rookie Profile for Cade Stover, Ohio State TE. Stover, a four-star prospect and the fifth-ranked outside linebacker in the 2019 class, graduated from Lexington High School in Mansfield, Ohio.
Stover was initially a top-ranked linebacker at Ohio State but struggled to find playing time in his first two years. However, in 2021, during his third season with the Buckeyes, he transitioned to the tight end position and excelled. Throughout the season, he played in 13 games, catching 5 passes for 76 yards. His breakthrough moment came during the Rose Bowl game against Utah, where he realized his potential as a tight end.
During the 2022 season, Stover collaborated with tight end coach Keenan Bailey to enhance his explosiveness and hand-eye coordination, resulting in an impressive performance of 36 catches for 406 yards and 5 touchdowns.
In his senior year, Stover aimed to be drafted into the NFL. His hard work paid off as he finished second on the team in receptions and yards, with 41 catches for 576 yards and 5 touchdowns.
Cade Stover attended the NFL Combine and put together an 8.22 relative athletic score, solidifying his stock for the 2024 draft in April. The Houston Texans selected Stover as the eighth tight end off the board with the 23rd pick, in the 4th round, 123rd overall.
Measurables
Draft Capital & Landing Spot
Draft Capital- Round 4 Pick 23
- Here’s the edited version of the passage you’ve provided:”In his limited role as a tight end, Stover did enough to convince the Houston Texans to draft him in the 4th round, demonstrating their long-term faith in him. Although day three picks face challenges, Stover is likely to prove himself on special teams in his first year or two in the league. The draft capital won’t be a deciding factor for Stover; he will need to earn his place on the Texans team.
Landing Spot- Houston Texans
- Round 4 capital is by no means a death knell to a rookie tight end; the bigger problem is the Texans have Dalton Schultz just inked Dalton Schultz to a three-year, $ 36 million dollar deal this offseason. Stover also has to compete with backup tight end Brevin Jordan for snaps. The glass-half-full view is that Schultz plays the Dallas Goedert role, backing up a production veteran for a few years before he is given his shot as the starting tight end.
Team Depth Chart
Expected Role: Backup TE
Depth Chart via Fantasy Pros
Fantasy Impact
Houston is attractive because the Texans have one of the NFL’s best young quarterbacks, C.J. Stroud. However, Stover faces a challenge as there are three excellent wide receivers on the roster: Nico Collins, Stefon Diggs, and Tank Dell. Even if the Texans throw the ball 700 times this season, Stover’s potential as the 7th option (at best) in the passing attack is limited. From a fantasy standpoint, it’s unlikely that Stover will become relevant. It’s best to leave him on waivers and let others squander a roster spot on the rookie tight end potentially breaking out.
Check out The Fantasy Football Universe Sneak Peek Video of Cade Stover
Check out our 2024 Rookie Rankings Page for a full breakdown of this rookie class.
