Tag: Deatrick Nichols

Former Saints, XFL defensive back Deatrick Nichols has a new team

The Miami Dolphins added defensive back Deatrick Nichols, formerly of the New Orleans Saints and the XFL’s Houston Roughnecks.

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Another player released by the New Orleans Saints in their opening wave of roster cuts has found a new squad: defensive back Deatrick Nichols, who will join the Miami Dolphins. The move was announced by Nichols’ representatives at Agency 1 Sports Group and the Dolphins on Twitter.

Nichols starred for the short-lived XFL’s Houston Roughnecks earlier this year, pacing the upstart league with three interceptions in five games. When the XFL shuttered its 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Nichols landed with the Saints. But he didn’t get a fair shake in training camp, having been released weeks before practices began in earnest.

Now he has a new opportunity with the Dolphins, playing in his Miami hometown. But he’ll have to seriously impress in training camp to crack their opening-day roster: the Dolphins boast one of the best three-deep depth charts at cornerback around the league between Xavien Howard, splashy free agent signing Byron Jones, and first-round draft pick Noah Igbinoghene.

He’ll join backup nose tackle Taylor Stallworth as the second player released by the Saints this month to land on his feet. Stallworth accepted an offer with the Indianapolis Colts after being courted by half a dozen teams in free agency.

From a purely analytical perspective, it’s a shame that the Saints weren’t able to trade either player for a late-round draft pick if there was so much interest in their services; but it’s in the players’ interest to decide their own future and choose the best option for them. Hopefully it works out for them.

 

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Saints roster cuts tracker, instant analysis ahead of training camp deadline

The New Orleans Saints began cutting their 90-man roster down to just 80 players, per NFL rules due to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.

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The New Orleans Saints began releasing players from their 90-man roster ahead of the NFL’s new Aug. 16 deadline to trim depth charts down to just 80 players, starting about an hour after our updated list of Saints players by jersey number went live (of course).

Teams will be allowed to hold small-group practice sessions without pads for the first few weeks of training camp, though work is largely limited to strength and conditioning drills due to the NFL’s rules and protocols during the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. That gives them an opportunity to try out some things with newcomers, but not much.

So far, the released players are a mix of veterans who already have some game film to refer to and rookies who didn’t have much of a chance of making the team. Check back often for updates as the Saints continue to winnow down their roster:

  • WR Krishawn Hogan, via Amie Just of The Times-Picayune | New Orleans Advocate. Hogan logged 83 snaps in eight games with the Saints last year after starting out on the practice squad, doing most of his work as a blocker. He caught his lone target to gain four yards before ending the season on injured reserve. He’s more of a known quantity than many of the receivers on the roster, so this could be a way for the Saints to give others a shot in practice.
  • CB Deatrick Nichols, via Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football. Nichols signed with the Saints after the XFL dissolved earlier this year; he led the upstart professional football league with three interceptions as a member of the Houston Roughnecks, and seemed ready to compete for a roster spot as a contributor on special teams and in slot coverage. The Saints may feel his XFL game tape is enough to help them decide whether to bring him back later this year.
  • FB Ricky Ortiz, via Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football. Ortiz was a late addition to the Saints practice squad in 2019, suiting up for the regular season finale and their playoffs loss to the Minnesota Vikings. He ultimately played just 20 snaps on offense between those two appearances, catching one pass to gain eight yards. His release is a clear sign that veteran fullback Michael Burton won’t be challenged to start for the Saints.
  • DL Gus Cumberlander, via Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football. The big undrafted rookie out of Oregon fits the same height-weight profile as free agent pickup Margus Hunt, making him somewhat redundant with a cuts deadline on the horizon. A long shot to catch on with the Saints, Cumberlander should get an opportunity with another team as players around the league continue to opt out of the 2020 season.

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Saints’ XFL pickup Deatrick Nichols talks jump to the NFL, playing against Tom Brady

The New Orleans Saints signed Houston Roughnecks DB Deatrick Nichols, who led the XFL in interceptions. He spoke about what’s next for him.

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Deatrick Nichols returned to the NFL in a better spot than he left it, having last played a handful of special teams snaps for the Arizona Cardinals. It was hardly the career turn he anticipated after graduating from the University of South Florida back in 2017, having put up gaudy statlines including 11 interceptions in three years as a starter. But his time with the XFL’s Houston Roughnecks convinced the New Orleans Saints to recruit him, and now he’ll have a chance to compete in one of the NFL’s most talented depth charts.

Nichols discussed his path forward with Deuce Windham of Canal Street Chronicles, acknowledging that his success in Houston won’t be enough to guarantee a roster spot in New Orleans. He’s eager to prove he can make plays covering punts and kickoffs, and earn his place on the 53-man roster.

“Field position is everything in this game,” Nichols said. “You’ll get way more respect and love from your teammates and coaches off making plays on special teams. I know special teams is going to be my path to making the Saints roster. The first day I get in the building I am going to the special teams coach and introducing myself. It’s a great feeling to run down the field and make a tackle before the 25. Special teams is the way you make a NFL roster!”

Other Saints players have learned the same lesson Nichols stressed here: excellence in the game’s third phase have made careers for prospects who might have been on the fringe of NFL interest otherwise. Just look at safety J.T. Gray, who made the roster outright as an undrafted rookie a few years ago before earning Pro Bowl and All-Pro recognition in 2019.

But while Nichols is enthusiastic about the impact he can make in the kicking game, he’s also looking forward to getting on the field on defense. When faced with a scenario where he could be pushed into a game against Tom Brady and the Tampa Buccaneers, Nichols emphasized the importance of keeping a good attitude.

“Being able to face a guy like Brady and knowing most likely it’s coming your way,” Nichols mused, noting that it’s critical to not feel overmatched by the moment. “This is a perfect time to make a story for your grandkids. However, my mind set in football is ‘stay ready, so you don’t have to get ready.'”

It’s clear that this opportunity isn’t something Nichols is taking lightly. He’s already experienced life on the edge of NFL relevancy, bouncing on and off of a team’s practice squad and testing the waiver wire each week. A strong summer with the Saints and consistent performance at training camp could go a long well to ensuring he sticks around, and he’ll do all he can to make that happen.

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Watch: Deatrick Nichols highlights with XFL’s Roughnecks, USF Bulls

The New Orleans Saints signed XFL interceptions leader Deatrick Nichols, who starred for the Houston Roughnecks and the USF Bulls in college

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The New Orleans Saints made a big pickup from the XFL on Monday by signing defensive back Deatrick Nichols to a one-year contract, adding a versatile cover corner with experience in the slot. Nichols is known for his knack for making big plays (he led the league with three interceptions in its first five weeks), which he credits to meticulous film study.

Nichols and teammate Cody Brown each intercepted Dallas Renegades quarterback Landry Jones early in their game, prompting a sideline interview shared by the FOX Sports broadcast. Brown said that they had noticed some cues on Jones’ previous game tape that put them in the right position, and Nichols agreed, saying, “Just like he said, (we’ve been) watching film since last Sunday, and letting plays come to us.”

Later in the game, Nichols again put himself in the right spot at the right time to intercept Jones one more time. It’s something he’s had a gift for since his college days at Southern Florida, which the USF Bulls official Twitter account proudly shared in their own highlight reel of Nichols’ best moments. See it for yourself to get an idea of the kind of talent the Saints are adding:

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Former Cardinals CB Deatrick Nichols lands NFL gig after stint in XFL

He led the XFL with three interceptions in five games for the undefeated Houston Roughnecks.

The XFL gave several former Arizona Cardinals a chance to play professional football again. At least one will get another chance at the NFL.

Cornerback Deatrick Nichols, who split the 2018 season on the Cardinals roster and practice squad but was cut before the 2019 season, has signed a contract with the New Orleans Saints after playing for the Houston Roughnecks in the XFL. The news comes from his agent.

In five games Nichols had 24 tackles, one sack and a league-leading three interceptions.

He played in two games with the Cardinals as an undrafted rookie out of South Florida. He had one tackle for Arizona.

It is good to see these players get another shot at the NFL. His Roughnecks team was the best in the XFL, finishing 5-0 before the season was shut down because of concerns of the spread of COVID-19.

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Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Stitcher Radio.

Ep. 261

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Ep. 260

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Saints sign Deatrick Nichols, XFL’s interceptions leader

The New Orleans Saints signed former Houston Roughnecks and USF Bulls defensive back Deatrick Nichols, who led the XFL in interceptions.

The New Orleans Saints landed one of the early stars of the XFL, the upstart professional football league that closed its inaugural season early in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. Per his agent Aston Wilson, the Saints signed Houston Roughnecks defensive back Deatrick Nichols, who paced the XFL with three interceptions (and six pass breakups) in its first five weeks. The 5-foot-10, 189-pound defender also recorded 24 tackles (with three tackles for a loss of yards).

With both pro leagues agreeing to allow former XFL players to sign contracts as free agents with NFL teams on Monday, Nichols becomes one of the first to make the jump from one level to the next, along with Roughnecks quarterback P.J. Walker (who signed with the Carolina Panthers).

Nichols has played both cornerback and safety in his collegiate and XFL careers, though his previous NFL experience was limited to 11 snaps on special teams with the Arizona Cardinals back in 2018. The University of South Florida graduate was a ballhawk in college, racking up 11 interceptions and 24 pass breakups (plus 15 tackles for loss) in three years as a starter. He’ll have ample opportunities to earn playing-time in the Saints secondary.

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7 XFL players the Ravens could target

With XFL players free to sign with NFL teams, here are seven names the Baltimore Ravens could be interested in during free agency

The coronavirus pandemic has impacted sports all across the world with several big-name events being delayed or even canceled. One such event was the 2020 debut campaign for the XFL, which stopped after just five games. With the spring league cutting its inaugural season short, any players who took part are now allowed to sign with an NFL team, according to ESPN’s Kevin Seifert.

For many of the XFL’s players, playing a handful of live games this spring has allowed them to put some tape together and hopefully impress both scouts and general managers. Plenty of small school prospects that likely just got missed previously got a chance to show what they could do against some standouts.

With the NFL in the middle of free agency and a whole new market of players opened up to sign, here are seven players the Baltimore Ravens could be interested in bringing aboard.

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WR Cam Phillips

Phillips played for the Houston Roughnecks and ending up leading the XFL in all three major receiving categories. Phillips finished the season with 31 receptions for 455 yards along with nine touchdown catches.

Phillips was an undrafted free agent out of Virginia Tech in 2018 although he did spend most of that season with the Buffalo Bills. Phillips played two games for the Bills, catching his only target for nine yards.

The Ravens need to get more out of their wide receivers in 2020 and haven’t really addressed the position in the early stages of free agency. Phillips’ production for the Roughnecks makes him a player that should certainly be on the radar of most NFL teams.

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XFL players the Tennessee Titans and other NFL teams could target

Here’s a look at just a handful of XFL players the Titans and other NFL teams could target.

The novelty of the XFL is beginning to wear off midway through its first season since the league’s relaunch, but it does have some staunch supporters behind it and has delivered a solid and entertaining product.

Attendance and TV ratings have been satisfactory for many of the league’s eight teams, but at this point you have to think the XFL has accepted that its ceiling is essentially to serve as a sort of minor league to the NFL — and it certainly has some talent worthy of taking a closer look at.

Here’s a look at just a handful of XFL players the Titans and other NFL teams could target once the league year ends on April 26.

QB P.J. Walker, Houston Roughnecks

This one should come as no surprise, considering Walker is considered to be far and away the league’s best quarterback and most likely player to leave the XFL for the NFL (although holding onto him as long as it can would be helpful for the XFL’s long-term existence).

Walker received a strong endorsement from former Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck, who told his father Oliver, the XFL’s commissioner, he should add the signal-caller to the league.

Walker has completed 65 percent of his pass attempts for 1,338 yards, with 15 touchdowns and four interceptions to go with 99 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground over five contests.

His ability to almost impossibly extend plays with his legs and arm strength are impressive, and while he’s had some bad reads, there’s only some fine-tuning to do before Walker could become a viable player in the NFL.

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