Cards draft tight end Rob Housler with third round pick
Apr 30, 2011, 12:02 AM | Updated: 3:47 am
PHOENIX – The Arizona Cardinals selected tight end Rob Housler with their third round pick at number 69.
The 6-5, 247-pound Housler is a speedy tight end that played college ball at Florida Atlantic.
“My strengths are being able to get open and stretch a defense being a mismatch anywhere on the field,” said Housler.
He caught 39 passes for 629 yards and four touchdowns last season.
Housler is a bit of a prospect coming from a smaller school, where he didn’t face the greatest competition, but he was clocked at 4.5 seconds in his 40-time at the combine so he could turn into a steal for the Cardinals.
“He brings a unique skill set to the position. As much as we run three wide receiver sets, that when you add a combination of a guy who has that type of speed and receiving ability it can make you a very dynamic offense,” said coach Ken Whisenhunt.
He will need to improve his pass blocking, something he knows he needs to work on.
“I need to work on my blocking. I told coach Whisenhunt, we kind of agreed, that’s something I need to work on before I even come into camp,” said Housler.
The Cardinals haven’t selected a tight end this high in the draft since taking Johnny McWilliams with the 64th choice in 1996.
