Saints LB Jonathan Casillas healthy, ready to contribute on defense
 

METAIRIE, La. – Jonathan Casillas spotted the ball nearly too late Tuesday, the pass from New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees sailing high above tight end Dave Thomas.

But for Casillas, it was nearly too late, not absolutely too late.
The Saints linebacker leaped high into the air, clutching the ball with one hand before coming down hard on his back. He held onto the ball, finishing one of training camp’s most athletic plays.

What that play represented was acting head coach Joe Vitt’s description of Casillas as a linebacker.

“Speed. Quickness. Range. Great space tackler,” Vitt said. “He has good hands. And I think he is really mature where he can pattern read now. He has had a positive growth experience.”

Casillas, when healthy, adds an athletic dimension to a Saints defense in transition. Yet, for the fourth-year professional who came to New Orleans as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2009, injuries have been his downfall.

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Re: Saints LB Jonathan Casillas healthy, ready to contribute on defense
 

Reminds me a bit of Cie Grant. If he can stay healthy I think he can be a solid player in this league.

Its gonna be tough since he's a bit of a LB/SS tweener.

Re: Saints LB Jonathan Casillas healthy, ready to contribute on defense
 

Injury in 3...2...1....

Re: Saints LB Jonathan Casillas healthy, ready to contribute on defense
 

Man I hope he stay healthy this year he's the most athletic LB we have and I really want to see what he can do for a complete season.

Re: Saints LB Jonathan Casillas healthy, ready to contribute on defense
 

Problem for Casillas is he can't play SLB, he is to small. WLB is taken firmly by Hawthorne. SLB is where we need someone to step up.

Re: Saints LB Jonathan Casillas healthy, ready to contribute on defense
 

At camp this morning Saw that play.
Turned to my son and said:"If he could only stay healthy."

It was a special, athletic play.

Re: Saints LB Jonathan Casillas healthy, ready to contribute on defense
 

God it looks like its true about Spags being a genius getting the most out of young talent because ours are looking good by all reports. I am VERY happy with how these young uns are contributing so far. Cant wait to see them on the field.

Re: Saints LB Jonathan Casillas healthy, ready to contribute on defense
 

True, but I think he did a fine job against the Pats' 1st string offense at SLB along with Lofton at MLB and Herring at WLB.

There was a lot of movement and speed in that trio - especially by the OLBs -and it was a joy to watch in that regard after the somewhat immobile LB corps the Saints have had the past two seasons.

I just hope he can stay healthy long enough to actually be a contributor in this year's defense.

Re: Saints LB Jonathan Casillas healthy, ready to contribute on defense
 

We'll see him vs. the Jags.

A strong performance for Casillas there would be a gamechanger in the LB sweepstakes!

Re: Saints LB Jonathan Casillas healthy, ready to contribute on defense
 

I like Casillas and agree with FinSaint. Think he did a good job against the Pats.