IRVING, Texas -- Martez Wilson was a third-round pick by the New Orleans Saints in 2011. Everett Brown was a second-round pick by the Carolina Panthers in 2009. Corey Irvin was a third-round selection by the Panthers in 2009. Drake Nevis was a third-round pick by the Indianapolis Colts in 2011.
All of them now call the Dallas Cowboys' defensive line home, with Wilson being the latest to join the roster.
Wilson, who signed a two-year deal Tuesday, was cut by the Oakland Raiders on Nov. 19 after playing in three games. He played in four games with the New Orleans Saints before he was released Oct. 22. He had three tackles and a sack for the Saints.
That the Cowboys have signed four players with high draft grades is by design.
"They are obviously guys we liked coming out," executive vice president Stephen Jones said. "Sometimes it was scheme. We were running the 3-4 and they weren't fits. They were 29s or 39s, second or third rounders that don't fit in our system and now that we do run the 4-3 we are getting to re-look at them. There is a reason why those guys get drafted high or we had them high."
The Cowboys have never stopped shopping for defensive line help this season considering all the injuries. Like a lot of employers, they look for the ritzy resume on young players.
"You never know when that light is going to come on," Jones said. "Sometimes it takes a stop or two before they start to learn how to become a pro and understand what it take ... We continue to try to look to guys who can help us. I applaud Rod [Marinelli] and Monte [Kiffin] for being willing to bring guys in and train them on short notice. We will certainly give this one a good effort to. We are trying to find some places we can get some good pass rush."