IRVING, Texas – When the Cowboys hold their rookie mini-camp next week at Valley Ranch, there will be a small group of veterans on hand as well.
Guard Ronald Leary, who quickly became a Jerry Jones’ favorite last year at this time for more than just the $214,000 he was guaranteed as an undrafted free agent, is among the first-year players to be on the field. Leary spent most of last year on the practice squad before getting called up to the active roster with two games to play. He will have a chance to win a starting job this summer and the early rookie camp work will give him some extra work.
Wide receiver Tim Benford, guard Charlie Bryant, tackle Aderious Simmons, wide receiver Jared Green, quarterback Nick Stephens, long snapper Charley Hughlett, defensive tackle Monte Taylor, defensive end Ikponwmosa Igbinosun and safety Micah Pellerin are also expected to practice next week. This group either finished the year on the practice squad or was signed to futures contracts after the season ended.
Wide receiver Danny Coale, a fifth-round pick last year, is also eligible to practice but will sit out as he continues his rehabilitation from a torn anterior cruciate ligament suffered late last season. He should be able to take part in the organized team activities and full-team mini-camp in June.
The vets will be joined by the Cowboys’ seven draft picks, 15 undrafted free agents and a handful of tryout players at the three-day camp.
