Player Profile: James Casey, TE, Rice

04/13/2009 3:54 PM -  Ryan Brooks

Contributed by: Ryan Brooks

Attributes
6’3”, 243 lbs.; 4.71 (40)

Strengths
Casey is older and more mature than most prospects since he has played Pro Baseball for a few years. Casey is versatile and can play multiple positions. He signed with Rice to be a safety and ended up playing tight end (H-back), but also can catch a punt if necessary. He has great hands and is willing to do whatever to help the team win. He is a leader and not only did he catch 13 TDs last season, he ran for six and threw two TDs…Talk about versatility. He is a good athlete, with body control, good leapers, and a hard worker. He is the type of guy that will survive in the NFL.

Weaknesses
Casey isn’t real strong when blocking. He is effective but doesn’t blow his man off the ball. His size could be an issue if relied upon to be on the line of scrimmage, but as an H-back he should be fine. He played at Rice so his success wasn’t against top competition. His age (24) could drop him down draft boards.

NFL Comparison: Brent Celek, Philadelphia

Draft Projection: 3^rd/4^th Round

Career Stats
25 games played; 157 receptions, 1,914 yards, 12.2 ypc, 17 TDs as a Tight End (2 Seasons)

Honors:
2008: 1^st Team All-Conference USA, Academic All-American

2007: Freshman All-American