James Casey SELECTED BY: Texans Round 5 (16)

SI Grade 3.56 GRADING SYSTEM

BIOGRAPHY: Two-year starter awarded all-Conference honors the past two years. Sophomore receiving totals included a team-leading 111/1,329/13 after 46/585/4 as a red shirt freshman. Spent time in the Chicago White Sox farm system after being drafted by the team in 2003. Will be 25 years old in September.

POSITIVES: Athletic, pass catching tight end with outstanding hands. Runs good routes, quickly gets into breaks and separates from defenders. Adjusts to the errant throw, extends his hands and constantly looks the pass in, making the reception away from his frame. Easily makes the catch running laterally or gets up in a crowd and comes down with the difficult reception. Will extend and expose himself in order to grab the ball, then takes a pounding yet holds onto the throw. Shows strength running after the reception, breaking tackles, and picking up yardage. Fluid moving about the field and displays a lot of natural pass catching skills.

NEGATIVES: Usually lined up in the slot and has minimal experience as an in-line blocker. May not have a long shelf life at the next level due to his age.

ANALYSIS: Casey is a terrific athlete who's played seven different positions on the Rice football team. He possesses good size/speed numbers and is a natural pass catcher who should work well for a team that employs a move tight end.

PROJECTION: Fourth Round