Cowboys sign DT Drake Nevis, release Jerome Long

[JBell]

I'm so stoked about this pick-up. There was some chatter about him being a 1st round pick in 2011 during his senior year, and into January-February, but ultimately he ended up dropping to the 3rd because of size concerns. The talent is there.

Here's a ringing endorsement from Chance Warmack this past April:

When I asked the guard out of Alabama who ranked as his toughest matchup during his college career, he pointed to another member of the AFC South.

“Probably Drake Nevis,” he said of the former LSU defensive tackle who’s now with the Colts. “I think somebody told me he is in the same divisions as we are? Yeah, I was kind of excited about that. I can get my rematch on him.

"He opened my eyes to what you see in a great 3-technique, he helped me improve and be a better player over the course of my time at Alabama. He’s an excellent 3-tech, and excellent D-lineman.”

From all the scouting reports/articles I've read, Nevis should've been playing in a 4-3 since Day 1. I'm not saying he's gonna be Hatcher part II, but this seems like a case of a talented lineman not being utilized correctly.

This could end up being a HUGE addition to the nickel defense. Adding another penetrator at DT next to Hatcher would make the pass rush unstoppable.

 

[Staubacher]

I'm so stoked about this pick-up. There was some chatter about him being a 1st round pick in 2011 during his senior year, and into January-February, but ultimately he ended up dropping to the 3rd because of size concerns. The talent is there.

Here's a ringing endorsement from Chance Warmack this past April:


From all the scouting reports/articles I've read, Nevis should've been playing in a 4-3 since Day 1. I'm not saying he's gonna be Hatcher part II, but this seems like a case of a talented lineman not being utilized correctly.

This could end up being a HUGE addition to the nickel defense. Adding another penetrator at DT next to Hatcher would make the pass rush unstoppable.

Good stuff! how close is Nevis to being ready to contribute on game day?

 

[JBell]

Good stuff! how close is Nevis to being ready to contribute on game day?

I'm hoping to see him this Sunday.

And to add more fuel to the hype train, check out these posts from Colts fans before final cuts were announced:

Posted 27 August 2013 - 07:39 PM

Colts sports writer George Bremer suggests that Drake Nevis could be the odd man out on the DL.

https://twitter.com/gmbremer

I hope they don't cut Nevis. He is one of our best pass rushers.

He may not have the height, but he has been a beast every time he steps on the field.

Nevis would be traded before cut IMO, a team like Dallas would kill for him, I don't think he gets cut or traded!

Good God, don't let the Bears or Cowboys get their hands on him, please!!!

4 pages of rueing. http://forums.colts.com/topic/20018-drake-nevis/

 

[Stash]

I still cannot believe the Colts cut him,he was playing well in the pre season.

Agreed. I think this is two linemen we 'owe' the Colts for!

 

[boysfanindc]

The Colts, the Dallas Cowboys farm system.

 

[dmq]

Pagano was quoted as saying Drake has a great motor that the team loves and that he's perfect for our inside pass rush whenever we go to a 4-man line.

Yes, please.

 

[visionary]

i am really excited about htis signing as well

 

[ethiostar]

I just read this on a Colts forum. I don't know if this has been mentioned. I didn't know about it until now.

Nevis finished the last 2 years on IR and has only played in 14 games over 2 years.

I hope he's over his ailments and I hope he stays at least relatively healthy going forward.

 

[Cowboy Brian]

Nothing was the same...

 

[ragman]

I went not too long ago to www.profootballtalk.com. If this means anything, on the Web site, in the comments section, some people who know of him are very excited of this signing.

 

[boysfanindc]

Interesting to hear Garretts perspective on Nevis, let's hope he is right.

“Oftentimes, these defensive linemen get into systems that really suit them or maybe don’t suit them quite as much,” coach Jason Garrett said. “We feel like playing in this scheme, we can get him back to playing the way he played in college: coming off the ball, playing with good leverage and being a destructive force, both in the run game and pass game.”

At LSU, he had 139 tackles, 31.5 tackles for loss and 11 sacks.

“He’s one of those guys that demonstrated a lot of ability to come off the ball, and explosiveness, when he was in college,” Garrett said. “Again, a guy that we liked coming out, we did a lot of work on, and you follow these guys’ careers.”

 

[BAT]

Does that mean Hulk Hogan finds a new favorite team????

Costa is safe. For now.

I just read this on a Colts forum. I don't know if this has been mentioned. I didn't know about it until now.



I hope he's over his ailments and I hope he stays at least relatively healthy going forward.

One of the reasons why Hatch raves about the current scheme (aside from letting him attack) is that it is less wear and tear on his body. Instead of holding a gap and letting OL beat on him, he can be the aggressor using his speed and quickness to avoid blockers.