James Casey: Does he stay or go?

[The SAINTaholic]

Just wondering what you all think of James. Being that my wife is a close friend of his sister, we've both been keeping an eye on him / following his progress hoping that he does well. Actually, during the draft we were REALLY hoping that the SAINTS draft him. But I gotta be honest here and as much as I hate to say it, I'm glad we didnt. I really am not very impressed with how he looks on the field (we've watched every preseason game he's played in thus far and have gone over MULTIPLE times each play he's been involved in).
I'm not coming in here trying to stir up anything, I'm just saying that from our perspective he's not looking very good. We do want him to succeed and do well. He's definately multi-tallented and can play numerous positions. I'm just hoping that they (the FO) are not looking at him thru the same "goggles" as we've seen him. I hope the Texans keep him and use him to his fullest potential. I guess what I'm really trying to say is that by coming in here I'm hoping that I can get some of your opinions which may help us look on the "brighter side" to what we've observed from James.

[TheGoaT]

Im not sure what youve been watching because hes looked very good in practice and limited action in games. The coaches love him. He makes the team easily.

[Wolfscar]

I would be absolutely stunned if we let him go. Casey has looked outstanding in practice and has done some good things on the field too - I suspect we're going to see some of what he can do for us in the Tampa game, where he'll get a reasonable number of snaps for the first time.

I strongly suspect that he's going to make a significant impact on our offense this year and - if he lives up to his potential even a little bit - then in years to come he's going to be an integral part of the team. I know it's a little early to say such things but I've not seen anything to suggest that I may be wrong.

[houstonsportsfan09]

Casey is going to make this team. And not impressed!? Coaches love this kid and have him playing everywhere from FB to LS to TE. Heck, on his first ever play, granted it was preseason, he made SC Top 10 plays. Sounds like to me you're saying he looks bad so you hope gets cut and the Saints pick him up.:cool:

[wildroot]

You know I watched game Monday night and I don't even remember seeing Casey out there. I was doing other things during the 2nd half so I suppose I could have missed it if he did play later in the game. I just assumed that his "shine" had worn off and maybe he was on the bubble as far as making the team and Kubes wanted to look at other players instead.
You think he will make the final cut though, huh?

[houstonsportsfan09]

Casey is a keeper, but he will be starting at FB tomorrow night.

[Number 34]

Casey should get a load of playing time Friday night. According to the Kubes interview we will probably see him at FB and TE. I can't wait to see what he can do.

[The SAINTaholic]

If Casey was on the bubble he would be there playing. The coatches don't want to see any more frome Casey they already know that he is a keeper.


Good to hear.... Thats what I was hoping / thinking in the back of my mind too..... Yeah, I will admit that I have not been keeping up with what his progress has been in practice (just giving my input / observations on what he's been doing in the preseason games). I really do hope he stays and does well for the Texans, and as to another poster's comment about possibly hoping they let him go so he can get picked up by the SAINTS....... ummmm not so much, but hey I'll probably be eating those words down the road (Being a SAINTS fan, God only knows I've eaten many of crow in my lifetime so it wouldnt be the first and certainly won't be the last).
Good luck to your Texans, I hope they do well.

[protoTexans]

I like to see him throw the ball to our other TEs, maybe some wildcat stuff.

surprised one bit if Lil Shanny throws in a FB option play for Casey, & pardon me but I think I read the truth in a posting up a few about the real reason that this post was even started. The Saints are kickin themselves in the behind for not drafting him & hoping that he gets cut so they can snatch him up. That ain't gonna happen boys, hes a Keeper & will be a TEXAN for a long time!!! If you have been disappointed in his performance, perhaps the feed you are getting in NO is not showing everything... A Beautiful one handed grab in the rain in KC, numerous catches in camp that left the coaches jaws on the ground & tomorrow night against the Bucs, he will start at FB & is going to get himself a TD in the red zone on the ground. Can not say enough about him, so go suck some crawfish... lol... Not you of course DH, just the posts author... lol..

[Vinny]

He's making the team....I don't think there is any doubt about that.

[mydaughters2]

James Casey is a sure bet to make this team, he is very talented and the Texans could not believe he was still there in the 5th round after they just drafted hill another TE in the 4th round....James is also a true class act on and off the field, an example for other NFL players to follow, he gives 110% every time he is on the field.....He is a very gifted player and was a steal at the 5th round, I personnaly would have drafted him alot earlier, but we are thick a TE position..... I wish him all the best, an hope he stays a Texan forever !!!

[TheGoaT]

Its like that for most of the teams in the preseason. Thats why its so funny to see fans crying about the team before the season starts.

[Yosarian]

Texans usually carry 4 TE's.

Right now we have 5. Daniels,Dreesen,Hill,Casey,Harris.

Harris has been our long snapper. We signed him to the practice squad last september. Then released him 2 weeks later.Then resigned to the practice squad 2 months later. Then we signed him to the roster in december and he played in 2 or 3 games long snapping on the game winning field goal at green bay.

I think Casey will beat him out if he can handle the long snapping duties since we used a draft pick on him. He has looked good in the games. Not sure what you were watching.

[blake1776]

He catches everything thrown to him, except for a few very very poorly thrown balls that he had no chance on and still almost caught...

What preseason have you been watching? Hard to make plays if the ball isn't getting to you...

[jackfarnswurth]

Casey's here to stay. You've seen him on Sportcenter, you've seen him on "Hey Rookie", with all the first round picks, turn on the sportstalk shows and who are they talking about, James Casey. For a fifth round pick he has people talking about him. The Texans have not even played him that much yet. Forget wildcat; think Thunder Cat. Go THOR

[Texan Naija]

Honestly, the guy is too good to let go. His only problem is that we just have to mold him into what exactly we want him to be, he can play TE, FB and there is talk he could probably play a little QB.


No way we give up a player this versatile and talented.

[Frog86]

I agree with the majority of you guys - THOR is here to stay!!! I am ready to see a little THUNDERCAT OFFENSE once the regular season starts. Can't wait to see the next part of HEY ROOKIE...

GO THOR

[mydaughters2]

James we are so glad you made the Team, All the best your the greatest !!!! :)

[Matt_in_KW]

He is in, he has to many positions he can play, coaches love him, and at worst he can play ST.

[BattleRedFlash]

Just wondering what you all think of James. Being that my wife is a close friend of his sister, we've both been keeping an eye on him / following his progress hoping that he does well. Actually, during the draft we were REALLY hoping that the SAINTS draft him. But I gotta be honest here and as much as I hate to say it, I'm glad we didnt. I really am not very impressed with how he looks on the field (we've watched every preseason game he's played in thus far and have gone over MULTIPLE times each play he's been involved in).
I'm not coming in here trying to stir up anything, I'm just saying that from our perspective he's not looking very good. We do want him to succeed and do well. He's definately multi-tallented and can play numerous positions. I'm just hoping that they (the FO) are not looking at him thru the same "goggles" as we've seen him. I hope the Texans keep him and use him to his fullest potential. I guess what I'm really trying to say is that by coming in here I'm hoping that I can get some of your opinions which may help us look on the "brighter side" to what we've observed from James.

He looks great to me. He's the 2nd best TE on the squad right now.

[wildroot]

I'm glad he made the team if for no other reason to see what the coaches have in store for him.

As for his ability to play multiple postions, I guess my question is, can he play FB better than someone who plays the position exclusively? Or does he play the position at a 3rd string level? The same question applies for all the positions he can play. Does it behoove us to play Casey at FB over Leach? I'm guessing Leach can play the position at a higher level than Casey as Leach earns his bread and butter at FB, and I know Leach can catch the ball out of the backfield as well. So what would be the advantage of putting Casey in at FB over Leach?

[Se7en]

I'm glad he made the team if for no other reason to see what the coaches have in store for him.

As for his ability to play multiple postions, I guess my question is, can he play FB better than someone who plays the position exclusively? Or does he play the position at a 3rd string level? The same question applies for all the positions he can play. Does it behoove us to play Casey at FB over Leach? I'm guessing Leach can play the position at a higher level than Casey as Leach earns his bread and butter at FB, and I know Leach can catch the ball out of the backfield as well. So what would be the advantage of putting Casey in at FB over Leach?

I think the difference between the two is that Vonta is a tank that can blow up the defensive line and clear major holes for our running backs. Casey addsa blocking element but his major upside is adding another run/pass threat to the backfield making for another player that teams have to cover in passing situations.

Of course if we only put in Casey when we were passing then it would be obvious to teams that they needed to pin their ears and blast Schaub. We may see a mix from Casey late in games to get him some play time at both positions. I think he did well at FB, but I think his primary position will be TE.

I am not sure if I gave you an answer or just added my thoughts, but Casey would not be starting over Vonta or Daniels at this point. He is a multipositional player that can spell Vonta if needed.

[Texan Naija]

He looks great to me. He's the 2nd best TE on the squad right now.

Woah, I wouldn't say that, because then you are really underestimating Dressen's contributions to the team. He has caught more then a few catches when given the chance and might be our most experienced blocking TE right now.

[Number 34]

Woah, I wouldn't say that, because then you are really underestimating Dressen's contributions to the team. He has caught more then a few catches when given the chance and might be our most experienced blocking TE right now.

Yea I like Dreessen. I think Casey is there to mix it up. When he lines up your not sure whats going to happen. I bet he gets most of his time at the FB position, especially since Vonta is our only FB.

[Sic_'Em]

I still would like to see more sets with Casey, Daniels, Slaton, Johnson and Davis on the field at the same time.

[mydaughters2]

Woah, I wouldn't say that, because then you are really underestimating Dressen's contributions to the team. He has caught more then a few catches when given the chance and might be our most experienced blocking TE right now.

Casey is a more well rounded & far more gifted, than Dressen, just my opinion, we have yet to see what James can do......Aftee watching him at TC and preseason with his numeous one handed catches....The Texans got a steal on this draft pick at the 5th round.....he should of been picked up before Hill in the 4th.....All the best to James Casey #86 the sky is the limit for this guy.....

[wildroot]

Yet! But for right now Dressen is our #2 and he even might take that from OD. Schaub seems to look at Dressen more this preseason. You may see a drop in production from OD because the FO want to make a point. ;)

I just hope they're not going to try to make a point at the expense of the team...Let's just win.

[mydaughters2]

I just hope they're not going to try to make a point at the expense of the team...Let's just win.

You got that right let's just have our first winning season !

[jackfarnswurth]

It wouldn't be suprising to hear the Texans announce that OD has been traded, especially after seeing how the Patriots dealt with Richard Seymour. Its good to copy those who are sucessful. Trading a player in their contract year for a high draft pick instead of losing them or being held hostage is a good idea. There are positions or players that you can overpay for (DE, QB and CB) but tight end is not one of those. Tight end is the second lowest paid position in the NFL. The Texans have other capable options at this point and should look to strengthen other positions.

[chjoak]

It wouldn't be suprising to hear the Texans announce that OD has been traded, especially after seeing how the Patriots dealt with Richard Seymour. Its good to copy those who are sucessful. Trading a player in their contract year for a high draft pick instead of losing them or being held hostage is a good idea. There are positions or players that you can overpay for (DE, QB and CB) but tight end is not one of those. Tight end is the second lowest paid position in the NFL. The Texans have other capable options at this point and should look to strengthen other positions.

ding, ding, ding...

I love OD but I love the Texans more. Both Dreessen & Casey have shown (Dreessen past seasons, Casey in the preseason) that they can be capable players and could potentially feel OD's shoes. I don't want to see them overpaying for a TE when Dreessen/Casey/2010 draft pick could easily fill his shoes

[Se7en]

It wouldn't be suprising to hear the Texans announce that OD has been traded, especially after seeing how the Patriots dealt with Richard Seymour. Its good to copy those who are sucessful.

Same thing I have been saying. I love OD but being a probowl alt went to his head. He had a greats eason, but he sure jumped inot the super star attitude quickly. FOr his first 2 years he was a solid workhorse player, so I hope he comes back down to earth and realizes this scheme will benefit his career numbers more than getting traded will.

Unless he is only seeing dollar signs now!

[Texan Naija]

Yet! But for right now Dressen is our #2 and he even might take that from OD. Schaub seems to look at Dressen more this preseason. You may see a drop in production from OD because the FO want to make a point. ;)

Hold there, I like Dressen but the only way he takes OD's spot is by injury or trade. Dressen is great for our team because he can block and then good out a few yards and make a catch to pick up the first down. But from what I have seen of OD, he gets the most yards after catch because he can catch on the run and is smart enough to find holes in the defense. I love both of them and think our current set up is fine, since we can use all of the TEs in game situations where their skills are called for.

And while Casey is more talented then Dressen, JJ is more talented then David Anderson and which one is higher in the depth chart? Experience and familiarity make Joel someone we can look to on any given Sunday not to mention, he is often overlooked because he isn't a big name.


As for OD, I blame Kellen Winslow and his agents (who if I remember right are the same guys that represent Dunta). OD is a guy I would love to see stay in Houston but while I wouldn't mind paying top 5 money if we have an uncapped year, I can't see us making him one of if not the highest paid TE if it means we lose cap space to retain Mario or DeMeco or even Schaub (if he stays... you already know the rest).