With wide receiver Michael Gallup missing numerous games to kick off the 2022 campaign, there is an open spot for a wide receiver to line up with CeeDee Lamb. According to Jon Machota, rookie Jalen Tolbert is expected to start Week One for the Dallas Cowboys.
The former South Alabama pass-catcher got extra offseason work with Dak Prescott, Lamb, and three teammates at the University of Miami. Tolbert impressed his new QB and enjoyed building a bond with his new signal-caller.
Tolbert enters training camp competing with former Pittsburgh Steeler receiver James Washington, who signed a one-year deal in the offseason. Washington has the advantage with experience, but Tolbert’s skill set is favorable moving forward. Both are new to Dallas’ system and will need the extra reps with Prescott.
Jalen Tolbert is ready to make an early impact pic.twitter.com/aCuLBEJChA
— PFF Fantasy Football (@PFF_Fantasy) July 13, 2022
Jalen Tolbert’s Background
The Alabama native is particularly new to football, playing for the first time in his sophomore year of high school. The WR exploded in his senior year, catching 37 passes for 696 yards and nine touchdowns. He received interest from bigger programs such as Michigan State but stayed local, choosing South Alabama.
In his final year of college, Tolbert caught 82 passes for 1,474 yards and eight touchdowns. He left a mark for the program, setting school records in career receptions (178), yards (3,140), touchdown receptions (22), and 100-yard games (10).
At the NFL combine, he recorded a 4.49 40-yard dash and a 36-inch vertical jump. The Cowboys selected Jalen Tolbert in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Right away, the 6-foot-1, 195-pound receiver was labeled a steal.
Coming out of South Alabama, a lesser-known university, possibly played a role in Tolbert dropping to No. 88 in the draft. Also, the deep receiving depth contributed to Tolbert’s third-round pickup.
The Cowboys got a good one in Jalen Tolbert pic.twitter.com/wdPWhK4W23
— PFF Fantasy Football (@PFF_Fantasy) May 24, 2022
Jalen Tolbert is Ready to Make an Impact
Gallup’s absence opens the door for the rookie to make an immediate impact for the Cowboys. The starting job is a tough journey. Typically, the veteran receiver gets the nod to start, but Tolbert’s first impressions are providing excitement for Dallas’ coaching staff.
Washington was not a primary target in Pittsburgh, only logging 285 yards and two touchdowns in 13 games. The incoming Dallas receiver will be hungry to earn playing time and targets.
However, Tolbert is eager to learn. Offensive coordinator Kellen Moore loves his passion, and Prescott sent his new weapon the playbook right after Dallas drafted him. With his locked-in mentality and the organization’s approval, the odds are in Tolbert’s favor to start.
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1 Comment
Best of luck for him