In a bit of a surprise, the Texans drafted James Casey, a versatile tight end from right down the road at Rice University. Casey was a 24-year-old sophomore last year; he spent three years playing minor league baseball, and scouts love his natural athleticism. He lined up at seemingly every position at Rice and could become an H-back in the mold of Dallas Clark or a dangerous quarterback in the "Wildcat" offense.
He's athletic (4.66 40, 36-inch vertical jump), strong (28 bench press reps, most among tight ends at the combine), has great hands and can run after the catch.
Tight ends coach Brian Pariani is at the podium now discussing Casey and N.C. State tight end Anthony Hill. Watch it live on Texans TV.
