With training camp just a few months away, as well as the 2022 regular season, the Cowboys will have a big job with their rookies. As it is in every year, the objective is that the prospects can adapt to how demanding the NFL is. However, there are some specific cases that could stand out greatly if they have the opportunity.
This is the specific case of catcher Jalen Tolbert. The talent out of the University of South Alabama draws full attention not only because of his position, but because of what he could bring to the cowboy offense. After all, he’s going to need all the help he can get following the departure of Amari Cooper to the Cleveland Browns, as well as Cedrick Wilson Jr. to the Dolphins. Accordingly, CeeDee Lamb will become the first receiver pending Michael Gallup’s full recovery. Who suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in week 17 of 2021 against the Arizona Cardinals.
Cowboys WR Michael Gallup’s touchdown vs. Cardinals. Amazing body control despite injurypic.twitter.com/jiL9IcTKZg
– Jori Epstein (@JoriEpstein) January 2, 2022
Now, Gallup’s misfortune would not only give Tolbert more opportunities to stand out. But we are talking about a third round that could give something to talk about. According to Pro Football Focus, he may be one of those names that makes it big in the NFL NFC.
Based on PFF’s opinion, it’s clear that Lamb is going to take the No. 1 receiver spot in the Cowboy offense. This will result in the WR receiving much more attention and opposing defenders will be doing more coverage on him. Also, as already mentioned, it is very difficult for Gallup to be available for week 1 of 2022. When in the duel on Sunday night, they face Tampa Bay at AT&T Stadium.
Given this scenario, we must analyze the potential that Tolbert has as a receiver of deep passes. Since in his last year with the South Alabama Jaguars, five of his eight touchdowns were on passes of more than 20 yards. This is something that could clearly help the Lone Star team.
Another Jalen Tolbert TD… The newest #DallasCowboys wide receiver’s ability to start/stop & make contested catches… quite good. pic.twitter.com/daNrfzKLgJ
— Pat Doney (@PatDoneyNBC5) April 30, 2022
Without a doubt, everything seems to indicate that the connection that Marshal Dak Prescott has with Gallup could have it without problems with Tolbert. In fact, there’s talk that at least early in the season, he could be the team’s No. 2 receiver behind Lamb.
Either way, Tolbert has some competition when it comes to the NFC. The same PFF fielded six Conference players (including Tolbert himself) who could explode this year. Alongside him are talk of cornerback Eric Stokes of the Green Bay Pakers, Paulson Adebo of the Saints, veteran wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk of the 49ers, third-year tight end Cole Kmet of the Bears and Giants linebacker Azeez. Ojulari. As you can see, the only player in the NFC East alongside Tolbert is Ojulari, while two are in the North division, one in the West and one in the South.
Overall, Jalen has a golden opportunity to show what he’s got going forward. It should be noted that since this Tuesday organized activities have begun in the Cowboys. And that some of them will be open to the press, starting on Wednesday. Therefore, we will have to be attentive to Tolbert’s performance in OTAs.
Of course, a lot of the spotlight will be on offensive lineman Tyler Smith and defensive end Sam Williams, the first- and second-round picks, respectively. The rest of the picks shouldn’t be left out, however, and Jalen Tolbert could be a great tool for the Cowboy offense in the season ahead.
