IRVING, Texas – The Cowboys signed their first player from the workout last weekend in cornerback Tyler Patmon, an undrafted rookie from Oklahoma State.
Patmon, whom defensive coach Monte Kiffin said reminded him on a "younger Ronde Barber," turned more than a few heads last weekend at the rookie minicamp at Valley Ranch.
He takes the spot of rookie free agents Marvin Robinson, who had knee surgery Tuesday to repair torn meniscus. Robinson, the former Ferris State standout who was one of 24 undrafted rookies to sign last week, suffered the injury during Friday's afternoon practice.
If Robinson clears waivers, he will revert to the Cowboys' IR and could rehab with the club until he can pass a physical.
Patmon (5-10, 179) played just one season for OSU, but had 30 tackles last season and was a key member of the Cowboys' secondary. His 78-yard fumble return for a touchdown was the knockout blow for an eventual 42-10 win over No. 3 Baylor. Before arriving in Stillwater, Patmon played three seasons at Kansas, amassing 32 starts. He had a team-high three interceptions in 2012 for the Jayhawks.
Patmon was one of 15 players invited to participate in the three-day minicamp. But the Cowboys have been known to sign a few each year. In 2012, three players eventually made it to training camp, including Ben Bass, who [embedded_ad] is still on the team. Fullback Jamize Olawale and receiver David Little also made it camp. Last year, the Cowboys signed receiver Anthony Amos, offensive lineman Edawn Coughman and defensive end Jerome Long to the roster. Long eventually played the first three games of the regular season.
The Cowboys have a full 90 players on the roster, including four rookie cornerbacks – Terrance Mitchell (Oregon), Daushan Phillips (Tarleton State), Jocquel Skinner (Bethel) and Patmon. Losing Robinson means the club now has just three rookie safeties in Baylor's Ahmad Dixon, Ryan Smith of Auburn and Keith Smith of San Jose State.
