Houston Texans: 5 Most Underrated Texans Who Will Make an Impact

The Houston Texans have many studs on their squad who everyone is expecting to produce at a high level.

However, what makes this team such a threat are the unsung heroes.

Quarterback Matt Schaub, running back Arian Foster, wide receiver Andre Johnson, linebacker/defensive end Mario Williams, etc., are all very talented, well-known NFL stars.

Yet the Texans have a good amount of players who do not make headlines but seem to always impact the game significantly.

Here is a list of Texans who not many people know about but are going to be essential parts to Houston's season success.

1. TE/FB James Casey

James Casey is entering his third season with the Texans, and through this preseason, he has looked like he is coming into his own and figures to be an X factor for the Texans.

He appeared in every game for Houston last season and started four. He had limited exposure to the football on offense, but when he got the ball he got positive yardage, averaging more than 12 yards per catch.

He has had a few receptions this preseason but what we have seen is Casey lining up all over the field. He can play tight end, and his underrated toughness makes him an effective up-field blocker.

He has large hands for a man his size and is quite athletic, capable of earning very solid yards after the catch.

He is getting a lot of time at fullback now that Vonta Leach has left. I believe Casey is tough enough to be a lead blocker if need be, but his real strength is his ability to catch the ball on either a screen or a bootleg pass, which is so common in Gary Kubiak's offense. 

Also, do not be surprised to see Casey line up in the slot wide receiver position as well. He has the ability to do it and Schaub loves as many big targets as possible.

James Casey has the potential to surprise a lot of people.

2. WR Jacoby Jones

Jacoby Jones, out of Lane College, has tons of unlocked potential.

He is so athletic and can be such a threat downfield, capable of stretching the field to open it up more for guys like James Casey, Owen Daniels and Andre Johnson to operate.

However, I feel like this can be the year.

In the preseason, he is not doing too bad, tallying four receptions for 26 yards.

Getting those receptions is more important in preseason because it really helps get the wide receiver into a rhythm and build up some momentum.

3. NT Earl Mitchell

Earl Mitchell is not yet the starting nose tackle and Shaun Cody has taken most reps in the preseason with first team.

However, when Mitchell has been on the field, he has looked extremely impressive and is putting up a fight for the starting position.

If Cody doesn't improve, Mitchell will end up ahead of him.

In the end, I feel the writing is on the wall for Mitchell to get his chance. Mitchell has shown he is the best nose tackle in Houston. Mitchell gets off the line quicker and can outplay his opponent, whereas Cody is slower and has a hard time getting penetration.

Cody only has two tackles this preseason. Mitchell has six tackles, plus a sack.

Mitchell is going to be a big reason why guys like Brian Cushing, Connor Barwin and Brooks Reed will be able to get pressure on the quarterback.

He can get some penetration up the middle in order to free up rushing lanes.

4. S Danieal Manning

The Texans' biggest free agent signing, Johnathan Joseph, overshadowed the signing of safety Danieal Manning.

Manning has made a name for himself with his time in Chicago. He is a tough, athletic safety who is going to provide a big-time upgrade in coverage over anyone Houston had last season.

Manning totaled 72 tackles last season and a career-high of seven passes defended.

Manning is going to be great insurance for the No. 2 cornerback opposite of Joseph.

Kareem Jackson had absolutely no help last year behind him and it just amplified Jackson's flaws.

With Manning backing him up and not guarding the best wide receiver of the other team, Jackson faces a much better season.

Manning is only 29 years old and will be a staple in the Texans' secondary for years to come.

5. The Offensive Line

The Houston Texans have assembled one of the most underrated offensive lines in the NFL.

The front line for the Texans have been able to clear lanes for Arian Foster to come out of nowhere and lead the NFL in rushing.

The blocking has also held up for Matt Schaub. He was only sacked 32 times last year, good for 12th in the league.

Left tackle Duane Brown, while somewhat inconsistent at times, has proven to be a very good defender of Schaub's blind spot.

Center Chris Myers continues to play very well and tackle Eric Winston has turned into a solid offensive line veteran.

The biggest thing this line succeeds at is implementing Gary Kubiak's zone-blocking scheme.

It has been the play of this offensive line that deserves a lot of the credit for why the Texans offense is so good.