Brice McCain SELECTED BY: Texans Round 6 (15)

SI Grade 3.28 GRADING SYSTEM

BIOGRAPHY: Three-year starter awarded varying degrees of all-Conference honors as both a cornerback and return specialist. Senior year totals included 35/1/5 on defense after 28/1/11 as a junior. Averaged 23.3-yards on 18 kick returns in 2007. Fastest player on the Utah team and has been timed at 4.28 seconds in the 40.

POSITIVES: Smart, feisty defender who fights hard to make positive plays. Fluid pedaling in reverse, quick transitioning to run with opponents, and does a nice job diagnosing the action. Mixes it up with receivers throughout the route, voluntarily defends the run, and displays a closing burst of speed bearing down on the action. Effectively reads receivers? eyes, and gets his head back around to locate the pass in the air. Displays good awareness in coverage, and has a nice move to the ball.

NEGATIVES: Lacks height and out-positioned by large receivers. Struggles to defend the high throw, and will be boxed out from the action by blocks.

ANALYSIS: McCain is a terrific cornerback who has flown under the radar screen for the past two years. He's a solid athlete who has enough speed, skill, as well as the mental makeup to find a spot at the next level. His height will be a limiting factor, yet McCain has the ability to turn into a productive dime back and help out as a kick returner.

PROJECTION: Seventh Round/Free Agent