LB Cato June to Visit (Signed 1-yr, $500k bonus)

[Keith]

http://www.myfoxhouston.com/dpp/sports/090330_texans_visit_june

In an effort to shore up their linebacking corps, the Houston Texans will visit Tuesday with free agent linebacker Cato June.

A six-year veteran, June played the last two years with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Before that he spent four seasons with the Indianapolis Colts. ...

Given how the Shaun Cody signing has people (incorrectly) presuming that DL is no longer a draft need, I wonder what effect this signing would have if it happened?

Credit the Texans for trying to shore up needs with veterans. They've done it before with limited success, but credit the effort nonetheless.

June was thought to be a pretty decent player with the Colts (10 INTs in his last 3 years in Indy, 4 defensive TDs in 2005). He went on to start for the Bucs the last two years, but his star no longer shines as bright. Bucs mostly had him at SLB, but he seems better suited to the weakside. Turns 30 in November. Visited the Bills earlier this month, nothing coming of it apparently.

[jwallace262]

I would like to have June, his experience and intensity, inside and outside the locker room, would be much appreciated. I don't see him as an every play guy but someone to go in and keep the rest of the LBs fresh.

[Mike]

I am lukewarm to him. I thought he was good in the Colts system that had speed everywhere, but think he was ill suited for the SAM. I am OK with Adibi and Diles at the WILL. (I put my healing hands on both to stay healthy).

We need size and a thumper at the SAM.

Of course, in the past the Colts defenders looked like supermen compared to the the old Texans offense.

[Keith]

If the Texans are asking June to play SLB, then they should keep looking. June was a college safety iirc, and he is pretty good in coverage.

I would have to think that maybe Diles could shift over to Sam if June signed. That, or the team's new rookie, of course.

The official site (http://www.houstontexans.com/news/Story.asp?story_id=5203) is recognizing the media reports of June's visits.
Free agent linebacker Cato June (6-0, 227) is visiting with the Texans today, according to reports by multiple Houston media outlets.

Per team policy, the Texans do not officially announce free agent visits, and all transactions, such as trades and free agent signings, are not official until they are announced by the team. ...
Of course, they posted something similar when Kevin Burnett visited.

[edo783]

I suspect that if we keep him, it would be for more for the nickel package when a cover LB is important. He and Ryan could cover well. Probably would see some time spelling the weak side backer, but probably not starting there, but ya never know.

[painekiller]

If the Texans are asking June to play SLB, then they should keep looking. June was a college safety iirc, and he is pretty good in coverage.

I would have to think that maybe Diles could shift over to Sam if June signed. That, or the team's new rookie, of course.

The official site (http://www.houstontexans.com/news/Story.asp?story_id=5203) is recognizing the media reports of June's visits.

Of course, they posted something similar when Kevin Burnett visited.

Diles was the starting SAM last season before his injury. When did he become a WILL?

Greenwood and Adibi where the main WILL starters last season.

[barrett]

I thought that late in the season Bentley played as well as any LB we had.

[Keith]

Diles was the starting SAM last season before his injury. When did he become a WILL? Yep, my bad. Rushing a post.

Probably would see some time spelling the weak side backer, but probably not starting there, but ya never know. You have high hopes for Adibi, and maybe his time has come. If the Texans sign the version of June that was with the Colts in 05 and 06, then Adibi will have his work cut out for him.

Hopefully it works out regardless. The depth at LB isn't all that great.

[Roy P]

I suspect that if we keep him, it would be for more for the nickel package when a cover LB is important. He and Ryan could cover well. Probably would see some time spelling the weak side backer, but probably not starting there, but ya never know.

That's my thought. We sub in a pass-rush specialist, why not a coverage LB? He also adds some veteran presence to the lockerroom. As long as we aren't paying him starter money, but role player/mentor money, I'm all for it. Otherwise, I'll get Stephen Hodge as a UDFA and make him my cover WILL.

[nero THE zero]

The WLB plays over the RDE, no?

Which side does the "SS" (re: Ferguson/Barber) play on?

[painekiller]

The WLB plays over the RDE, no?

Which side does the "SS" (re: Ferguson/Barber) play on?

The Will plays the weak side. In a normal formation that would be beside the RDE. But not always.

The Strong Safety will usually play on the strong side (across from the TE) and close to the line of scrimmage. Thus the saying 8 in the box.

The free safety plays a little deeper and is the better pass coverage guy, in theory.

Now some teams, using a cover-2 will have both safeties at the same depth, and one might become the all time left guy and the other the right. It is a way to disguise the coverage.

In the NFL teams try their best to disguise what they are going to do presnap, thus the Texans trying to have safeties and LBs that can play either strongside or weakside. But we have forgotten the all important ball hawk and playmaker in favor of the vanilla joe average guy.

[nero THE zero]

The Will plays the weak side. In a normal formation that would be beside the RDE. But not always.

The Strong Safety will usually play on the strong side (across from the TE) and close to the line of scrimmage. Thus the saying 8 in the box.

The free safety plays a little deeper and is the better pass coverage guy, in theory.

Now some teams, using a cover-2 will have both safeties at the same depth, and one might become the all time left guy and the other the right. It is a way to disguise the coverage.

In the NFL teams try their best to disguise what they are going to do presnap, thus the Texans trying to have safeties and LBs that can play either strongside or weakside. But we have forgotten the all important ball hawk and playmaker in favor of the vanilla joe average guy.
Yea, I meant in a normal base defense. And I ask because, assuming we sign June and he wins the job (which isn't a stretch assuming we sign him,) we would need to fortify his side of the field given his run-stopping deficiencies. Mario is a good start. It's unfortunate to hear that the SS plays the other side of the field though.

Can't say I'm in favor of bringing him in. We need to get bigger and more athletic in the LB corps. I don't think June provides that.

[painekiller]

Yea, I meant in a normal base defense. And I ask because, assuming we sign June and he wins the job (which isn't a stretch assuming we sign him,) we would need to fortify his side of the field given his run-stopping deficiencies. Mario is a good start. It's unfortunate to hear that the SS plays the other side of the field though.

Can't say I'm in favor of bringing him in. We need to get bigger and more athletic in the LB corps. I don't think June provides that.

My bet is he would be a LB in the nickle package. Not an everydown player.

There are rumors that Adibi has gained weight, and is looking solid, if this translates to staying on the field then I'm not sure it matters who the vet signing is.

[mussop]

My bet is he would be a LB in the nickle package. Not an everydown player.

There are rumors that Adibi has gained weight, and is looking solid, if this translates to staying on the field then I'm not sure it matters who the vet signing is.

This is the first I have heard of this. That is great news. One thing we havent seen from Adibi yet is his ability to rush the passer. He looked like he was shot out of a cannon when he blitzed at WV. I never figured out why they didnt use him in that role more while there.

This has me curious, im going to go look up and see what Adibi's numbers were at the combine last year in the 10 yd split. It had to be good.

[papabear]

. It's unfortunate to hear that the SS plays the other side of the field though.


Kubiak has said he likes for his safeties to be interchangeable...which has generally meant OK against the run weak vs. the pass. Bush might change that up, but that's the philosophy Kubiak has had up until now. Same thing for OLB's. Whether or not that is a good approach is a whole different story.

As for June. It's solid depth, which is all you are likely to get this time of year. Much like Bentley was last year, he can push the young guys and help them out because of his experience, and he would be capable of starting if need be. It doesn't look like they are going to sign him, but they left the door open. This is the type of signing that makes sense this time of year...even if in this case it doesn't look like it's going to happen.

[nero THE zero]

Kubiak has said he likes for his safeties to be interchangeable...which has generally meant OK against the run weak vs. the pass. Bush might change that up, but that's the philosophy Kubiak has had up until now. Same thing for OLB's. Whether or not that is a good approach is a whole different story.

Where has Kubiak said this? I know his history, prior to Eugene Wilson, suggested that. But, I have never seen a quote regarding that stance attributed to him.

That's also irrelevant to my point. My point is that if June is signed and wins a starting job, we better have some formidable run stoppers on his side of the field to make up for his inability to do just that.

[Bigtinylittle]

Where has Kubiak said this? I know his history, prior to Eugene Wilson, suggested that. But, I have never seen a quote regarding that stance attributed to him.

That's also irrelevant to my point. My point is that if June is signed and wins a starting job, we better have some formidable run stoppers on his side of the field to make up for his inability to do just that.

I can't give you a citation to back up Papabear, but I'm almost positive I have heard Kubiak say those exact words. I guess it's possible, though, that now that Bush is in charge he might change things. But one reason I think we won't change is that I remember LZ saying on the radio one time that the whole league seems to be drifting slowly toward interchangable safeties. I know it's an idea that isn't popular with fans, but coaches seem to like it.

[papabear]

Where has Kubiak said this? I know his history, prior to Eugene Wilson, suggested that. But, I have never seen a quote regarding that stance attributed to him.

That's also irrelevant to my point. My point is that if June is signed and wins a starting job, we better have some formidable run stoppers on his side of the field to make up for his inability to do just that.

The closest I could find from a quick search was a McClain article stating that the safeties were interchangeable in Richard Smith's defense. I know I've heard Kubiak say it interviews because I remember it started a lot of discussion. It doesn't really matter though because we don't know what changes Bush will make beyond the generic "more aggressive" response.

I think the general consensus is the the Texans safeties have generally been interchangeable based on personnel even if it wasn't by design. I though it was relevant to your post because you said that it was unfortunate that the SS generally plays the other side of the field from the WLB as it relates to June (who doesn't look like he's signing anyway) and his deficiencies against the run. I was just pointing out that since we tend to have two safeties who are both better against the run that it really wouldn't matter which side June was lined up on he would have a decent run-support safety behind him.

[kravix]

I know ive seen/heard/read it from interviews also. I tried searching for it but didnt find anything. I dont think that he ever said we want mediocre pass cover and run defence skills from our safeties, rather than wishing they could have 2 that can do both well and play either side of the field.

It is not my favorite philosophy, I would rather have one ball hawk and one run stuffer with mediocre skills on their respective filp sides rather than just ok at both.

[Roy P]

It is not my favorite philosophy, I would rather have one ball hawk and one run stuffer with mediocre skills on their respective filp sides rather than just ok at both.

I'd like to have seen Sean Taylor and Laron Landry play together longer. Those two guys on the field together was something to see.

That's the only combo I've seen on an NFL roster who could do both things very well.

In our upcoming draft, I see that type of potential in a William Moore/Chip Vaughn type draft. Granted those guys are quite the athletic specimens that Taylor/Landry were.

[Keith]

I'm kinda excited about this. I think June still has something left in the tank and has been undervalued by the league.


The Texans have agreed to a contract with free agent outside linebacker Cato June. He will sign a one-year contract worth $1.5 million, including a $500,000 signing bonus. The deal could be worth as much as $2 million. ...

June, 29, is 6-0, 227. He'll compete with Xavier Adibi for the starting job on the weak side. June had 63 tackles, including 49 unassisted, for the Buccaneers last season. ...


http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/6358781.html

[Roy P]

I'm kinda excited about this. I think June still has something left in the tank and has been undervalued by the league.


Well, he is a cheap veteran presence. I'm almost as excited as I was about the Roosevelt Colvin signing. Maybe he'll pay off.

[jppaul]

I actually like this alot, I think it is these signings that make Smtih worth his salary. We have gotten some pretty good players from these signings.

[NBT]

Maybe I'll warm up to the Cato June signing when TC starts and I find out he's not just another Roosevelt Colvin looking for a place to flop.

[nunusguy]

I dunno but dosen't this have significant implications for our Draft strategy, namely that WIL is no longer the priority that it was before this signing ?

[barrett]

Basically we have done our best to allow a wide open, talent driven draft board next month, and a competitive camp in August. Both are good things.

[Roy P]

I dunno but dosen't this have significant implications for our Draft strategy, namely that WIL is no longer the priority that it was before this signing ?

Maybe and maybe not.

Did signing Antonio Smith make us less likely to draft a DE?

Did signing Shaun Cody make DT less of a priority?

Perhaps matching David Anderson's offer made us less likely to draft a WR?

If for some reason Clay Matthews, Everette Brown, B.J. Raji, and Jeremy Maclin are available at #15 - I don't know if ANY of the FA signings will preclude us from drafting the player we had ranked highest.

This just makes it less painful if we don't get a guy we thought we might in the later rounds.

For example, I recently ran a mock where I drafted Maclin in the 1st with the thought that I'd be able to get a player like Gerald McGrath later on. However, he and comparable players were off the board when I went looking for a WLB.

So, I would say that the WILL is still a priority. However, if the chips don't land the way we hope on draft day, we won't be caught with our pants down.

[Keith]

Basically we have done our best to allow a wide open, talent driven draft board next month, and a competitive camp in August. Both are good things.
Agreed. Only backup RB remains to be addressed really, that and maybe a Sam.

As for the Colvin vibes, totally different imo. Colvin was a 31-yr old pass rusher who wasn't consistently healthy. I think June, who's more of an asset in pass coverage, ought to be able to make some plays... just not in the backfield. I like the veteran depth so long as they have the guys they need on special teams.

[dalemurphy]

Maybe and maybe not.

Did signing Antonio Smith make us less likely to draft a DE?

Did signing Shaun Cody make DT less of a priority?

Perhaps matching David Anderson's offer made us less likely to draft a WR?

If for some reason Clay Matthews, Everette Brown, B.J. Raji, and Jeremy Maclin are available at #15 - I don't know if ANY of the FA signings will preclude us from drafting the player we had ranked highest.

.


No, but each of those signings made it less likely that we would reach for one of those positions or try to maneuver in the draft in order to get to a position. Each move allows a little more freedom on draft day.

I'd go as far as to say only RB and OC/OG absolutely must be addressed on draft day. Certainly there are many things I'd like to see but those are the only two positions where we really don't have quality NFL depth.

[dalemurphy]

Agreed. Only backup RB remains to be addressed really, that and maybe a Sam.

As for the Colvin vibes, totally different imo. Colvin was a 31-yr old pass rusher who wasn't consistently healthy. I think June, who's more of an asset in pass coverage, ought to be able to make some plays... just not in the backfield. I like the veteran depth so long as they have the guys they need on special teams.

I actually asked Frank Bush about our situation at SAM. I asked him if he thought Diles was better suited to play WILL and what is thoughts were about Chaun Thompson, who I think is a better fit for SAM. He gave a pretty pat answer about the team being excited to have Thompson compete at SAM this year healthy. However, it seemed clear, he did not agree that Diles was better suited to compete at WILL and seemed satisfied with Diles potentially playing SAM again this year.

If they see Diles at SAM, I think CThompson and then Bentley give us reasonable depth there. I, for one, would love to see Clint Sintim fall to us in the second round. If that were to happen (or someone else of that ilk), I'd hope we'd take a stab at him. However, I don't think they feel compelled to simply add depth to the spot at this point.

[Roy P]

I actually asked Frank Bush about our situation at SAM.
He gave a pretty pat answer about the team being excited to have Thompson compete at SAM this year healthy. However, it seemed clear, he seemed satisfied with Diles potentially playing SAM again this year.

If they see Diles at SAM, I think CThompson and then Bentley give us reasonable depth there. I don't think they feel compelled to simply add depth to the spot at this point.

I've noticed that there is a bit of philosophical differences between the types of players we fans would like to see and what the Texans are content with having.

I would guess most of us would like a SAM who is a legitimate pass rusher (Chaun Thompson was my best chance). A large, 2-Gap NT to play beside Okoye would be nice (Frank Okam had my hopes up). Getting a rangy FS that plays deep and a SS who can stop the run and blitz are two players I'm still waiting for.

[nunusguy]

Maybe and maybe not.

Did signing Antonio Smith make us less likely to draft a DE?

Did signing Shaun Cody make DT less of a priority?

Perhaps matching David Anderson's offer made us less likely to draft a WR?

If for some reason Clay Matthews, Everette Brown, B.J. Raji, and Jeremy Maclin are available at #15 - I don't know if ANY of the FA signings will preclude us from drafting the player we had ranked highest.

This just makes it less painful if we don't get a guy we thought we might in the later rounds.

For example, I recently ran a mock where I drafted Maclin in the 1st with the thought that I'd be able to get a player like Gerald McGrath later on. However, he and comparable players were off the board when I went looking for a WLB.

So, I would say that the WILL is still a priority. However, if the chips don't land the way we hope on draft day, we won't be caught with our pants down.
The answer to all of those questions is in the affirmative. Of course the emphasis in this upcoming Draft on all of those position is reduced unless we want to emulate the Detroit Lions who seemed to never tire of using their first round pick on a single position - WR ? But there's also degrees in each situation, e.g. Anderson doesn't repressnt a major cap investment while Smith does.
For lack of a better term, I don't think it's "politically" possible (or atleast it's very unlikely) that we draft a DE with our first pick. On the other hand I fully expect us to do just that with our 2nd or thirds round pick. The problem is we made a substantial investment in DE Smith while still not solving our basic problem of providing another major pass-rushing threat. We're gonna have to do better than Bulman and Nadin.
Of that foursome you listed I'd think the most difficult player for the Texans to leave on the Board would be Raji, pot-head allegations and all.

[painekiller]

The problem is we made a substantial investment in DE Smith while still not solving our basic problem of providing another major pass-rushing threat. We're gonna have to do better than Bulman and Nadin.
Of that foursome you listed I'd think the most difficult player for the Texans to leave on the Board would be Raji, pot-head allegations and all.


IMO the way to improve the pass rush is to improve the run defense. If you are a top 10 defense against the run, then usually you have more 3rd and longs, that helps the rush. So Smith should help the run and he has a little more ability to rush then Weaver.

Greenwood's has been a bigger problem than most realize, we have had a sub-pare LB group since before the last year of Capers. And when you have weak LB play the offense can act on will.

Also IMO to much emphasis is placed on sacks, when you analyse the data, stop the run, win.

[painekiller]

LB corp coming more into focus.

Sams: Diles, Bentley, Thompson
Mike: Ryans, Bentley, Davis
Will: Adibi, June Thompson

This is the camp group, not all will make the team.

[nunusguy]

LB corp coming more into focus.

Sams: Diles, Bentley, Thompson
Mike: Ryans, Bentley, Davis
Will: Adibi, June Thompson

This is the camp group, not all will make the team.
You know that's a reasonably impressive LB corp.
But here's my question, despite all protestations that they'd ever move DeMeco to WIL where he was also very succesful in college at 'Bama, I just wonder if there's any way they'd do that if they had a chance to Draft a big thumper to play in the middle ?

[painekiller]

You know that's a reasonably impressive LB corp.
But here's my question, despite all protestations that they'd ever move DeMeco to WIL where he was also very succesful in college at 'Bama, I just wonder if there's any way they'd do that if they had a chance to Draft a big thumper to play in the middle ?

I would have said yes before this off season started. But now I do not see that happening.

[Roy P]

I just wonder if there's any way they'd do that if they had a chance to Draft a big thumper to play in the middle ?

I have had the thought that everyone considers Rey Rey as the tough guy to play MLB in this draft. However, after watching South Carolina a couple of times, I must say I was impressed with the presence Jasper Brinkley brings. I wouldn't ask him to drop back into coverage very often, but he's got some Jeremiah Trotter in him. JT was pretty productive as an Eagle when the DT's shot gaps and he cleaned up whatever got through.

[kRocket]

... IMO to much emphasis is placed on sacks, when you analyse the data, stop the run, win.
IMO the Texans have obsessed about Indianapolis and their Peyton, passing attack for too long. We have 14 other games to play. In any case, I agree with you.