Patrick was drafted by Arizona in the seventh round of the annual NFL draft in April. He was the first of the team's five draft picks to sign a deal.
Patrick was the first UD player to be selected in the draft since 2004, when both quarterback Andy Hall and defensive end Shawn Johnson were selected in the sixth round. Hall was taken by the Philadelphia Eagles and Johnson by the Oakland Raiders.
Patrick will be one of three Fightin' Blue Hens competing for spots on NFL rosters this fall. Defensive back Mike Adams will begin his first season with the Cleveland Browns after starting for the San Francisco 49ers, while wide receiver Jamin Elliott will be a second-year member of the Atlanta Falcons.
Patrick, who transferred to UD from Duke University, caught 64 passes for 639 yards for the Hens in 2006. He also scored six touchdowns, and was a consensus All-America in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision.
Following the season, Patrick was invited to play in both the East-West Shrine Game and the Senior Bowl, both all-star contests at which he excelled. He was later invited to participate in the NFL combine, where scouts get a close look at prospective players.
Photo courtesy of the Arizona Cardinals
