Nick

Kasa

LB Bojay Filimoeatu, CB Jansen Watson and LB Justin Jackson were also cut loose. A 2013 sixth-rounder, Kasa is still recovering from a torn ACL he suffered last August. A former defensive end, Kasa was converted to tight end late in his college career. He has (had) 4.71 wheels to go along with his 6-foot-6, 265-pound frame, but caught only one pass in 16 games as a rookie. He’ll have to prove he’s healthy before getting a second chance elsewhere.

Ausberry and Richard Gordon are the longest-tenured tight ends on the roster, so they’ll get the first looks based on experience. But rookies Nick Kasa and Mychal Rivera will both be given fair shots to win the gig. The four players have combined for ten career receptions in the NFL.

Rookies Nick Kasa and Mychal Rivera are competing with underwhelming incumbents David Ausberry and Richard Gordon. We can safely say that there won’t be any kind of Brandon Myers emergence out of this group. If the Raiders can get quality blocking out of the position, they’ll be thrilled.

Kasa (6-foot-5 7/8, 269) is a willing blocker, and he also displayed good speed (4.71 forty) at the Combine. The college defensive end-turned-tight end caught 26 passes for 399 yards and three scores in a year-plus of tight end work at Colorado. Kasa has a chance to earn the starting job in training camp.

Kasa (6-foot-5 7/8, 269) was a defensive end until halfway through his junior year. As a senior, he caught 25 passes for 391 yards (15.6 YPR) and three touchdowns before showing good speed (4.71 forty) at the Combine. Kasa is a work in progress, but his size-speed combination gives him long-term upside. The Raiders have little talent at the position, so despite his lack of comfort as a receiver, Kasa has a chance to touch the field as a rookie due to his willingness to block.

Kasa, a sixth-round rookie, has been buried on the depth chart this season. He’s still seeking his first career NFL catch while playing behind the likes of Mychal Rivera and Jeron Mastrud.

Kasa tore up his knee last August. The No. 172 overall pick of the 2013 draft should be ready for camp, where his spot on the 53-man roster will be far from assured.

“It didn’t look good,” were the words of coach Dennis Allen. It further thins the Raiders’ tight end depth after presumptive starter David Ausberry underwent a left knee scope last week. The Raiders suddenly need Mychal Rivera to stay healthy. A 2013 sixth-rounder, Kasa caught just one pass as a rookie.

Further tests will confirm the injury. Kasa’s done for the season. He caught one pass as a rookie across 76 offensive snaps. Kasa will be placed on injured reserve and come back to compete for a roster spot next spring.