Dallas Cowboys: Michael Gallup’s progression will be key in 2019

The Dallas Cowboys’ rookie receiver made strides in his first campaign. If Michael Gallup grows in the offseason, the offense will be a top 10 offense.

Dallas Cowboys’ rookie wide receiver Michael Gallup made strides in his first campaign. If Gallup grows in the offseason, the offense will be a top 10 offense. The Cowboys drafted him in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft. With longtime pass-catcher, Dez Bryant’s release from the team, Dallas left a gaping hole in their roster.

Besides Gallup, Allen Hurns was signed in free agency. The front office claimed that the team did not need a number one wide receiver, they would do take a “receiver by committee” approach. In training camp, Gallup was a hot topic amongst Cowboys’ fans. He has ideal height and speed to play in the NFL, he just needed opportunities and practice to take the next step.

At the beginning of the regular season, Gallup showed potential. He dropped some balls early on but was winning on routes down the field. Before adding wide receiver Amari Cooper, the offense lacked any real explosiveness. Gallup would win on a double move, but Prescott failed to connect with the rookie.

With wide receiver, Cole Beasley, contemplating entering the open market, receiver will be a very underrated position of need. Cooper will get the majority of targets, but to win big games, multiple weapons have to click. Gallup has proven that he can make the big play–that he can take the top off the defense–make yards after the catch.

Gallup played the best game of his career against the Los Angeles Rams in the Divisional round, putting up over 100 yards. But, consistency is the most valuable attribute for receivers. Gallup would have a good game, then a bad game the next week.

Much of the fault has to be given to former offensive coordinator, Scott Linehan, and the quarterback. However, if a receiver drops a ball or is slow out of his break on a timing pattern, balls will not be thrown to him on a regular basis.

Depending on what happens with Beasley in free agency, or in the draft, the Cowboys will have to have more playmakers outside than Cooper. Gallup, only entering the second year of his career, could turn Dallas’ offense around in a positive way.

Prescott will have a full offseason to work with Gallup and Cooper for the first time. If Gallup can reach his potential, Prescott will have a great wide receiver duo to throw at.