Raiders Sign UFA OLB David Nixon 6-3, 223 of BYU (Looks good on tape)

[Artois]

"Make that three UFAs

fausports.com
Florida Atlantic LB Frantz Joseph.
The Raiders also signed Florida Atlantic middle linebacker Frantz Joseph, according to the Sun-Sentinel on Sunday night.

The kid seems to have a terrific story who went from a difficult upbringing to the nation's second-leading tackler last season with 154 tackles.

They also signed Brigham Young outside linebacker David Nixon, according to the school's website.

Joseph set school single-season and career records in tackles but he was not invited to the NFL combine, then did not get drafted. His profile is right here.

Raiders coach Tom Cable said the Raiders will get better at linebacker just by adding depth, something they lacked last year. As it stands, starting middle linebacker Kirk Morrison virtually never comes off the field.

They have other middle linebackers, including Isaiah Ekejiuba, but they are strictly special teams players.

Nixon is 6-3, 223 pounds with a team-high 11.5 tackles for a loss last season.

As previously noted, they also signed Harvard defensive tackle Desmond Bryant. Look for another 5-6 names to surface in the next day or two.

Posted By: David White (Email) | April 26 2009 at 11:29 PM"

SFGate: Raiders Silver and Black Blog : Make that three UFAs

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRhZCByOJYw]YouTube - David Nixon Highlight[/ame]

[Raiders4ever44]

i love how we are bringing in all these LB's and DE's.


we are def. looking to blitz a lot more with these type of players we are bringing in.

[MarkusAlan23]

As someone who follows BYU, I am pleased with the Nixon signing. This is a low risk high reward kind of pick up. He is a sure tackler, can cover well. We will see if he makes the team, but I definately think giving him a shot is a smart move.

[Apuffasmoke21]

Ten unheralded 2009 NFL Draft prospects - Don Banks - SI.com


David Nixon, LB, BYU -- The ex-Cougar was the Mountain West Conference's all-time leading tackler, and in his 6-3, 233-pound build, NFL talent scouts see the potential for him to fill out quickly and man an outside linebacker position. Nixon gets high marks for his intelligence and ability to master a difficult defense at BYU. He also got great experience in pass coverage, which is rare for college linebackers entering the NFL. A former Mormon missionary and Eagle Scout, he's more mature than most collegiate prospects, and turned heads at his pro day with a 40 time in the low 4.6's.

[JaY P.]

He seems a bit small to be a 4 down LB. I wonder if he is going to be a Nickel covering TE's and blitzing. The kid has plenty of hustle and tracks and approaches the ball well. Only time will tell.

And yes I agree that adding depth to our LB corp is great.

[Snoop750]

I'm always a sucker for these Undrafted Free Agents. LoL!!!
Once again I like whom we're bringing in. Loved the Joseph signing, and this Nixon signing looks just as good. Some GREAT character guys, whom will give it their all to make this team.

Anybody have information on Desmond Bryant I'm actually stunned Oakland FINALLY brought in a DT.


Thanks, LOVED that video. Great music, Led Zeppelin for his highlight video.....this kid just won me over. LOL!!!!



Great Thread.

[pigspigs76]

something tells me Nixon will make the team if only to add to the rest of the great 40 times already on the team.

I like all these postdraft signings... to be honest I like most of the udfa more then our late round picks

[raiderrod]

As someone who follows BYU, I am pleased with the Nixon signing. This is a low risk high reward kind of pick up. He is a sure tackler, can cover well. We will see if he makes the team, but I definately think giving him a shot is a smart move.

I also follow BYU and saw probably 75% of Nixon's games. He is a better athlete than one might expect. Very fast. I think he is too light to play every down and will not be able to rush off the edge like he did in college. He is a good tackler.
By all accounts has excellent intangibles. I think the Raiders drafted him to be a special teams player. I could see him developing into an excellent special teams player because of his speed and nose for the ball.