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Dallas Cowboys: Michael Gallup could emerge as top receiving threat

By Steven Mullenax

FORT COLLINS, CO - OCTOBER 1: Wide receiver Michael Gallup #4 of the Colorado State Rams applies a stiff arm to safety Andrew Wingard #28 of the Wyoming Cowboys as he is forced out of bounder after making a reception during the second quarter at Sonny Lubick Field at Hughes Stadium on October 1, 2016 in Fort Collins, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
FORT COLLINS, CO - OCTOBER 1: Wide receiver Michael Gallup #4 of the Colorado State Rams applies a stiff arm to safety Andrew Wingard #28 of the Wyoming Cowboys as he is forced out of bounder after making a reception during the second quarter at Sonny Lubick Field at Hughes Stadium on October 1, 2016 in Fort Collins, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /
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In desperate need for a viable receiving threat to emerge this offseason, the Dallas Cowboys are not doubt hoping Michael Gallup develops quickly.

For years, the three players at the top of the Dallas Cowboys wide receiver depth chart have been the same: Dez Bryant, Terrance Williams and Cole Beasley. That will not be the case in 2018.

Bryant was released earlier this year. Williams is currently rehabbing from a broken foot and coming off an arrest. And Beasley is entering the final year of his contract in Dallas after posting a very disappointing 2017 campaign.

Now, throw in the fact the Cowboys have added several new receivers to the depth chart. This offseason, Dallas signed veterans Allen Hurns and Deonte Thompson via free agency. Last month, they traded for former first rounder and Los Angeles Ram Tavon Austin. And during the draft, they used a third round pick to selection Colorado State’s Michael Gallup.

Following this receiver shake up in Dallas, starting roles appear to be up for grabs this summer. The Cowboys are undoubtedly hoping someone in this group steps up to become the team’s new top receiving threat.

This appears to be a very unique opportunity for a rookie like Gallup. Despite being a Day Two selection, one draft analyst believes the first-year receiver has similar traits to a former top ten pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, Texas Tech’s Michael Crabtree.

"“Similar to [Michael] Crabtree, Gallup may not have a defining trait from a size/speed perspective, but he creates passing windows for the quarterback, getting the most out of his skill set,” wrote Dane Brugler for the Dallas Morning News. “A Crabtree-like career is realistic for Gallup and would give Dak Prescott the reliable target he requires.”"

The 6-foot-1, 200 pound Gallup posted an incredible 176 catches for 2,685 yards and 21 touchdowns during his two seasons at Colorado State. Although he does not posses blazing speed, the rookie is an excellent route runner who can create separation. The latter being the one trait young quarterback Dak Prescott has been desperately missing within this receiver corps.

Next: Comparing the Cowboys WR corps amongst NFC East foes

Although players like Allen Hurns, Terrance Williams and Cole Beasley have the experience, Michael Gallup is the x-factor among this new wide receiver group. If the 22-year old is able to develop quickly this offseason, and builds a suitable rapport with Dak Prescott, Gallup could easily emerge as the Dallas Cowboys’ top receiving threat in his rookie season.

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