Houston Texans: Kahale Warring is the Ultimate Boom or Bust Prospect

Houston Texans drafted the ultimate high ceiling and low floor prospect in San Diego State tight end, Kahale Warring.

In the 3rd Round of the 2019 NFL Draft, the Houston Texans selected Kahale Warring from San Diego State. During his 3 years with the Aztecs, Warring only played in 19 games posting a Modest stat line of 51 catches for 637 yards and 8 touchdowns with a 12.5 Y/R.

In Warrings’ draft grade it is mentioned by NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein that he is “still relatively inexperienced with modest career production”. The question is how does he compare to the other tight ends taken by the Texans over the past 5 years.

2014: C.J. Fiedorowicz: College – Iowa (3rd Round)

Coming out of Iowa, C.J. Fiedorowicz managed 91 receptions, 899 yards, 10 touchdown receptions, and was projected to be a 3rd to 4th  round pick. Coming into the draft process the national consensus was that Fiedorowicz had average production for the tight end position but he was able to be physical with defenders due to his big frame. with these abilities.

Fiedorowicz had the potential to turn into a franchise tight end, unfortunately, injuries derailed his career forcing him to retire early and end his career with 89 catches for 881 yards and 6 touchdowns.

2018: Jordan Akins: College – Central Florida (3rd Round)

During his time at the University of Central Florida; Jordan Akins comprised a career total of 79 receptions for 1,093 yards and 8 touchdowns. During his pre-draft process, nothing popped out to analysts that would make them consider him as a three-down tight end. The Texans were one of the teams coaching in the 2018 Senior Bowl practices and it allowed them to get a closer look at how Akins operated in NFL schemes and handle coaching. During the 2018 season, Akins had 17 receptions for 225 yards and no touchdown receptions.

2018: Jordan Thomas:  College – Mississippi State (6th Round)

Throughout his time playing for the Bulldogs, Jordan Thomas posted a stat line of 22 catches for 263 yards and 3 touchdowns. Coming into the draft the only thing Thomas had going for him was his size and speed at the position; his route running was raw, he never developed into a good blocker and his receiving talents were showcased at the minimal. He was taken in the 6th round as a mere developmental project and out the gate was not guaranteed a roster spot. In his first year with the Texans; Thomas had 20 receptions for 215 yards and 4 touchdowns.

Out of all the tight ends selected before him, Warring could best be compared to Fiedorowicz due to their production and ability to be a blocker with proper coaching. While hoping Warring can become one of the most productive tight ends in franchise history since Owen Daniels, it could serve difficult for him to carve out a role early in an offense that relies heavily on wide receivers, DeAndre Hopkins, Keke Coutee, and Will Fuller.

He’s going to have to prove he can translate his ability to be a mismatch to defenses at the NFL level to continue to earn playing time and stay healthy if he wants to contribute early in his rookie season.