PRO: Patrick Watkins is an athletic, instinctive safety from Florida State who has displayed good range and a nose for the ball in his first three seasons. He has proven to be a strong contributor on special teams when healthy and continues to establish himself in the defensive secondary rotation. He played in just eight games in 2008, suffering a nagging neck injury that eventually landed him on Reserve/Injured on Nov. 29, but looks to return to full health for his fourth pro season.
TRANSACTION SUMMARY:
11/29/08: Placed on Reserve/Injured with a neck injury.
4/30/06: Drafted in the fifth round (138th overall) by Dallas.
2008:
Saw action in just eight games before being placed on Reserve/Injured on November 29 with a neck injury.
Recorded 15 tackles on defense and added another nine stops on special teams.
In the season opener at Cleveland (9/7), had one tackle on defense.
Posted five tackles on defense and tied for the team lead with three special teams tackles against Philadelphia (9/15).
Suffered a right shoulder sprain early in the first quarter at Green Bay (9/21) but returned to action - playing mainly on special teams. Finished with two stops on defense and a special teams tackle.
Against Washington (9/28), saw extensive action on defense with Roy Williams (forearm) out and recorded four tackles. Re-injured his shoulder but was able to finish the game.
Was inactive the next three weeks with a neck injury.
Returned to action against Tampa Bay (10/26), playing only on special teams recording two tackles.
At the N.Y. Giants (11/2), saw action only on special teams and led the team with three stops.
Finished with two tackles on defense at Washington (11/16).
Against San Francisco (11/23), posted one tackle on defense and downed a punt inside the five on special teams.
Was inactive against Seattle (11/27) with a neck injury before landing on IR.
2007:
Played in 14 regular season games and led the team with 25 special teams tackles along with 30 tackles and one interception on defense.
Led the team with three special teams tackles at Miami (9/16) and added a season-high five stops on defense.
Recorded his first career tackle for a loss and one tackle at Buffalo (10/8).
Led the team with a season-high five stops on special teams against New England (10/14) and had another stop on defense.
Had his first career touchdown against Minnesota (10/21) with a 68-yard touchdown return on a blocked field goal by Chris Canty. It marked the second-longest return of a field goal attempt in club history (94 by Jerry Norton - 12/9/62).
Had one tackle and an interception at the N.Y. Giants (11/11) to end their final drive along with two special teams tackles.
Suffered an ankle injury on punt coverage against Philadelphia (12/16) and did not return. Missed the next two games with the ankle injury.
Played mainly on special teams and tied for the team lead with two stops in the Divisional Playoff Game against the N.Y. Giants (1/13/08).
2006:
Played in 14 regular season games, including nine starts, and started the wild card playoff game.
Finished the season with three interceptions (second among rookies in the NFL) and second on the team behind Roy Williams. Had 49 tackles (eighth on the team) and tops among team rookies.
At Jacksonville (9/10), became the sixth Cowboys rookie to start a season opener at free safety, the first since Michael Downs in 1981, and finished second on the team with a season-high seven tackles.
Tied for the team lead with six tackles and forced a fumble against Washington (9/17).
Returned a Vince Young fumble 53 yards to set up the Cowboys final touchdown of the game and added seven tackles to lead the team and tie his season high at Tennessee (10/1).
Was inactive the next two games as Keith Davis took over as the starter for the next six games.
Returned to action at Arizona (11/12) in a reserve role and had his first career interception, a third quarter pick of Matt Leinart.
Against Tampa Bay (11/23), added one tackle and also posted his first two special teams tackles.
Returned to the starting lineup at Atlanta (12/16) and intercepted Matt Schaub at the end of the game and finished with four tackles.
Had his third interception of the year against Detroit (12/31) while adding five tackles and two special team stops.
In his postseason debut at Seattle (1/6/07), had three tackles as the starting free safety.
COLLEGE:
Finished his collegiate career with 13 interceptions and played in 49 consecutive games at Florida State.
As a senior, played in all 13 games, including 10 starts, and finished third on the team with 77 tackles, tied for the team lead with three interceptions and earned honorable-mention All-ACC honors. Helped lead his team to the Orange Bowl, where they lost 26-23 to third-ranked Penn State in overtime.
Started all 12 games as a junior and helped lead the Seminoles to a 10-3 record and a victory over West Virginia in the Gator Bowl. Finished with four interceptions (tied for second in the ACC with teammate Antonio Cromartie) and was second on the team with a career-high 10 pass breakups.
Added 56 tackles (second among team defensive backs) and tied for the team lead with two fumble recoveries and two forced fumbles.
As a sophomore, played in all 13 games and helped lead the Seminoles to a 10-3 record and a berth in the Orange Bowl against Miami. Tied for the team lead with a then single-season career-high three interceptions and tied for fifth in the ACC in interceptions-per-game. Ranked third on the team with eight pass breakups and fifth on the team with 62 tackles.
Played in 11-of-14 games, including the Sugar Bowl loss to Georgia, as a freshman, finishing with 10 tackles.
PERSONAL:
Patrick Watkins attended Lincoln High School in Tallahassee, Fla., where he was a first-team All-America selection by USA Today, an All-America selection by Parade magazine, and the top-rated prep safety in the nation by TheInsiders.com and Max Emfinger.
As a senior, notched 140 tackles, six interceptions and two fumble recoveries. He also had six kickoff returns for touchdowns.
Was a social science major at Florida State.
COMMUNITY:
2006 Dallas Cowboys Rookie Club.
Dallas Cowboys Thanksgiving Day Meal at The Salvation Army.
Annual team Holiday Hospital Visits.
Salvation Army Angel Tree Christmas Program.
Dallas Cowboys Kickoff Luncheon and Cowboys Family Cookbook benefitting Happy Hill Farm.
