IRVING, Texas – When the Dallas Cowboys open their rookie minicamp Friday, they will have 14 of their 15 undrafted free agents joining their eight-player draft class.
La'el Collins has the highest profile of all the free agents, but he will not be allowed to take part in the minicamp because of league rules due to the timing of his visit.
But he won’t be the only undrafted player expected to make a contribution during the season. Traditionally, the Cowboys have been one of the best teams at unearthing undrafted free-agent finds. Last year cornerback Tyler Patmon turned a rookie camp tryout into a spot on the 53-man roster and returned an interception for a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals.
Tony Romo has long been the gold standard of undrafted finds, but the Cowboys have paid safety Barry Church (undrafted in 2010), kicker Dan Bailey (undrafted in 2011) and wide receiver Cole Beasley (undrafted in 2012) sizable second contracts. Ronald Leary (undrafted in 2012) has started 31 of the last 32 games at left guard, and Lance Dunbar (2012) and Jeff Heath (2013) have also been valuable contributors.
Cowboys undrafted free agents:
La’el Collins, OL, LSU
Antwan Goodley, WR, Baylor
George Farmer, WR, USC
Lucky Whitehead, WR, Florida Atlantic
Nick Harwell, WR, Kansas
Deontay Greenberry, WR, Houston
Ray Hamilton, TE, Iowa
Jameill Showers, QB, UTEP
Synjyn Days, RB, Georgia Tech
Shane McDermott, C, Miami
Daniel Quave, OT, Louisiana-Lafayette
Joel Ross, CB, Appalachian State
Jason Wilson, CB, Central Michigan
Tim Scott, S, North Carolina
Ray Vinopal, S, Pittsburgh