Houston Texans bubble watch: Cornerback Charles James II
By Randy Gurzi
As the 2016 season approaches we examine Houston Texans players who may not be a lock to make the final roster like cornerback Charles James II
We continue to explore the Houston Texans roster for players who could find themselves on the outside looking in when final roster cuts are made. One player who is on the fringe happens to be a fan favorite in cornerback Charles James II.
The 26-year-old James was undrafted out of Charleston Southern in 2013 and spent his rookie season with the New York Giants. He then headed to the Houston practice squad the following season where he remained until 2015 when the Texans cut him.
His cut was a bit of a surprise as James was featured on the popular show ‘Hard Knocks’ and became a fan favorite for his tenacious play and love of odd socks.
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In the end, his size (5-foot-9, 179 pounds) was too much to overcome as he was bid farewell. James then elected to join the Baltimore Ravens practice squad, but when injuries mounted on the Texans defense, he was brought back once more.
Now returning on a a one-year deal, James once again finds himself competing for a spot in a crowded defensive backfield that includes Kareem Jackson, Kevin Johnson, Johnathan Joseph, Terrance Mitchell and A.J. Bouye.
James has 23 tackles and one pass deflection in his 21 career games played, and has a lot of ground to cover if he wants to make the final roster. Joseph, Johnson and Jackson are all but guaranteed to be on the roster meaning James most likely has to beat out Buoye and/or Mitchell to make the final-53.
The 24-year-old Buoye has eight starts the past two seasons and recorded three interceptions in 2014 and two more in 2015. He also has superior size to James at 6-foot and 191 pounds.
Mitchell recorded 12 tackles an interception and two pass deflections as he bounced between Chicago and Dallas last season. The former seventh round pick out of Oregon is 5-foot-11 and 190 pounds, so he also has a size advantage over James.
Next: Houston Texans bubble watch: S Lonnie Ballentine
It’s an uphill battle for Charles James II to make the team, but he doesn’t seem liek the type to be fazed by that in the least.