New Orleans Saints Draft Profile: DT Drake Nevis

The Saints don’t have very many needs this off-season other than the resigning of their own free agents, but most would agree rebuilding the defense should be top priority.

LSU Defensive tackle Drake Nevis could be a great first round pick at #24 for the New Orleans Saints considering  the defensive  front needs someone in the middle along with DT Sedrick Ellis to stop the bleeding on running plays.

The Saints were ranked 16th in stopping the run in 2010, but the problem really showed up the last few weeks of the regular season and in the post season against the Seattle Seahawks.

Seattle’s Marshawn Lynch ripped of a 67-yard touchdown run during the wild card matchup with the Saints that effectively sealed the win for his team, it was an embarrassment to the entire Saints defense.

Stopping the run will of course force teams to throw the ball more against the Saints pass defense , which is their strength ranking as the 4th best unit in the league during the 2010 season.

Nevis plays with very good leverage, fights through double-teams and will fight off a block to get to the ball carrier.

Scout’s note that Nevis utilizes a good swim move and rip move and has a very solid anchor and motor that is constantly running.

Quick and agile feet and a competent leader. Would make the Saints immediately better in the middle front of their defense.

Needs to put on some weight so he will be able to add the Bull rush to his arsenal.

PLAYER BIO:

HIGH SCHOOL  The top interior defensive line prospect in the state and one of the best at his position in the nation. Rated #8 defensive tackle prospect in the nation by Rivals.com 

Recieved  Class 5A first-team all-state honors by having an outstanding senior year compiling 72 tackles, (17 for losses) 18 quarterback sacks, 25 quarterback hurries, 8 forced fumbles and 2 fumble recovery’s.

2006 MVP of the New Orleans Times Picayune, All Metro Team and a Super-Prep All-American.

Member of the Atlanta Journal Constitution Super Southern 100, made the New Orleans Times Picayunes Blue Chip and Super Dozen lists. 

FRESHMAN SEASON:  As a true freshman he only saw minimum playing time, playing in 8 games and starting 2 (against Louisiana tech and Arkansas) recorded 17 tackles and broke up 2 pass plays.

SOPHOMORE SEASON: Played in a reserve roll at defensive tackle and saw playing time in 11 games, but earned starts at Left Defensive tackle against South Carolina and also earned a start against Florida at Right Defensive Tackle and concluded the year with 16 tackles and tied for 4th with tackles for losses with 5.5 with 1 forced fumble and fumble recovered.

JUNIOR SEASON: Played in all 13 games for LSU with no starts and had his best season as a tiger, leading all defensive lineman with 50 tackles, tackles for losses with 11.0, and ranked 2nd on the team with 4 quarterback sacks and 1 fumble recovered on the year.

SENIOR SEASON: Playing the final year at LSU Drake Nevis started all 12 games and ended the season tied for third place on the team with 3 forced fumbles, ranked 8th in the SEC with 6 quarterback sacks, and 6th for tackles for losses with 13, ranked 4th on the team with 56 tackles, Named Walter Camp National Defensive Player of the Week after he posted 7 tackles, 2 solo, 1 quarterback sack for a loss of 6 yards, 1 forced fumble and a quarterback hurry against Alabama.

The New Orleans Saints have a great nucleus of players on defense, and by adding Nevis they will increase the pressure on opponents quarterbacks and slow down the opponents rushing attack.

The Saints will need to address other areas on defense as well, which i have addressed in my article New Orleans Saints 2011 Mock Draft posted last Friday the 21st.

Go check it out and give me your thoughts or ideas as who you think the Saints need to draft!!!

Who Dat believes in them Saints WE DO GEAUX SAINTS

Check out Keith Null’s weekly article about the Saints on NFL.com by clicking here.

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