Cowboys Heading to Camp: Of the Rookies Malcolm Rodriguez is Set Up to Succeed

STILLWATER – A few of the 25 former Oklahoma State Cowboys football players heading to NFL training camps have already arrived. Former All-Big 12 and All-American linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez reported on Saturday, July 23 to the Lions training camp where he has been told to come prepared to earn a spot in the lineup.

Detroit Lions

Rodriguez at Lions Rookie Minicamp.

“The coaching staff has preached that,” Rodriguez said. “No matter if you’re first round or sixth round or undrafted, if you come in and you perform and produce, you’re gonna get a chance to start and play.”

His linebackers coach at Detroit Kelvin Sheppard verified that after full squad minicamp in June.

“Malcolm Rodriguez is one of the smarter young players I've ever been around,” Sheppard told Detroit Lions beat reporter Tim Twentyman. “That kid, it's because he's a naturally smart player, but on top of that, it's the work he puts in. This kid came in here in two days and he knew both (linebacker) spots.”

Matt Aguirre - Las Vegas Raiders

Dillon Stoner in Raiders camp.

Rodriguez looks to be in good shape in Detroit. Also already in camp or soon to be are early Hall of Fame Game participants Jacksonville and Las Vegas. Two veteran receivers from Oklahoma State are with the Raiders in speedster Tyron Johnson coming over from the Chargers and Dillon Stoner, who made a good impression as a rookie last season in Vegas. They reported to training camp on July 20.

Down in Jacksonville defensive tackle Israel Antwine is trying to make the Jaguars and he reports on July 24.

The only other former Oklahoma State player already in camp is rookie safety Tre Sterling, who reported with other Green Bay Packers rookies on July 22.

Of the eight rookies trying to make NFL teams you point to Rodriguez, fellow fifth round draft pick Devin Harper as the Dallas Cowboys picked up the other prolific OSU linebacker. Jumbo cornerback Christian Holmes was selected in the seventh round by the Washington Commanders and made a strong impression in both rookie and regular minicamps this summer. Like all of the other Cowboys heading to training camp, both rookies and veterans, they report on Tuesday, July 26.

Dallas Cowboys

Washington at Dallas minicamp.

There are some former Oklahoma State Cowboys in new addresses for this upcoming season. The headline is wide receiver James Washington, who felt he was underused in Pittsburgh and he is now back home with his childhood favorite team catching passes from Dak Prescott with the Dallas Cowboys.

Washington left behind his college quarterback Mason Rudolph, who will battle former Bears quarterback Mitch Trabisky and rookie first-round pick Kenny Pickett for the Steelers starting quarterback job vacated by the retirement of Ben Roethlisberger.

Speedster wide receiver Tyreek “Cheetah” Hill is now in Miami with a new contract. Tylan Wallace gets his chance to gain more playing time in Baltimore with a few veteran receivers departing. Tre Flowers got picked up last season by Cincinnati and he helped the Bengals depth at corner on the way to the Super Bowl

The Atlanta Falcons were looking to strengthen their defense and they picked up defensive end Jordan Brailford, who had been in Washington and Cleveland. Defensive tackle Vincent Taylor had been in Miami and Buffalo and he is now in Atlanta as well.

A couple of Cowboys looking to overcome injuries include Seattle All-Pro running back Chris Carson, who had a serious neck injury and is still not ready to resume, but is continuing to rehab with the intent to play. Also, cornerback Rodarius Williams with the New York Giants is coming off a knee injury.

If I were just guessing, I would bet that 19 former Oklahoma State players start the season on either the 48 man roster, the practice squad, or injured reserve in the NFL.