2015 NFL Draft: What you should know about Jesse James

The Steelers like big, physical tight ends, and Jesse James fits that bill.

The Penn State junior, taken in the fifth round by the Steelers in the 2015 NFL Draft, resembles veteran tight ends Heath Miller and Matt Spaeth with his massive frame. The Steelers hope James can use that size to thrive on the next level, specially as a red zone target.

Here's some others facts and stats about the newest Steelers tight end:

A local guy

A native of Glassport, Pennsylvania, James went to in-state Penn State for college and will remain in the Keystone State to start his NFL career. He earned First Team-All-Century Conference honors his junior and senior seasons while playing for South Allegheny High School, catching a combined total of 71 passes for 1,030 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Career-record holder

Despite leaving early as a junior, James left Penn State as the school's career touchdown reception leader for a tight end. His three touchdowns in 2014 gave him a record 11 career touchdowns. One out of every three passes he caught went for a touchdown his freshman season, with five of his 15 catches resulting in six points.

A consistent threat

James was a consistent receiver for Penn State in 2014, catching at least three passes seven times last season that included seven catch, 60-yard effort in the Nittany Lions' 26-24 victory over Central Florida last season.

James fits the mold of Steelers tight ends

At 6'7'' and 254 pounds, James' muscular, wide build is similar to Pittsburgh's veteran tight ends Heath Miller and Matt Spaeth. Miller stands at 6'5'' and weighs in at 256 pounds, while Spaeth checks in at 6'7'' and 260 pounds. While raw, James will have a chance to learn from these two pros about how he can use his body to his advantage in both run blocking and receiving situations.

Giving back

The Director of Marketing for Uplifting Athletes at Penn States, James helped raise more than $150,000 for kidney cancer in 2013-14.