Cowboys finally secure WR depth with South Alabama’s Jalen Tolbert

Dallas Cowboys great Emmitt Smith was in Las Vegas to announce the Cowboys’ third-round pick, a prospect who the team hopes will also be a future offensive legend for America’s Team, too. With the 88th overall pick, the Cowboys selected South Alabama wide receiver Jalen Tolbert. In a huge sigh of relief, the front office has filled three major positional needs with their first three picks of the 2022 NFL Draft by gaining an offensive lineman, defensive end, and wide receiver.

After losing both WR1 Amari Cooper and stellar backup receiver Cedrick Wilson this offseason, it was inevitable that the Cowboys were going to pick a wide receiver somewhere in this draft. Luckily for Dallas, this class was deep with receivers. Fourteen wide receivers were selected before Tolbert and he is still considered a value pick given he was projected by some to go in the second round. He will make a great WR3 in Dallas.

The South Alabama product is 6-1 and 194 pounds. Although he doesn’t come from the strongest collegiate conference, he was named the Sun Belt Conference Offensive Player of the Year in 2021. Last season, he broke a school record with 82 passes while collecting 1,474 yards and eight touchdowns. The Alabama native is currently the school’s leader in receptions (178), receiving yards (3,140), and touchdown receptions (22).

Tolbert had 143 yards against Tennessee, which means he gave an impressive performance against the now-Saints cornerback Alontae Taylor, who went 49th overall in the 2022 NFL Draft.

The Cowboys finally secure WR depth by drafting South Alabama WR Jalen Tolbert at 88th overall in the 2022 NFL Draft

Tolbert will bring impressive long speed and burst and has been known to take the top off of defenses in his vertical routes. He also has experience working from the slot, but primarily was known for his deep routes. The receiver has the strength and size to do well after the catch and has a high upside.

The South Alabama receiver will now compete with James Washington, Noah Brown, and Simi Fehoko for a spot at WR3 alongside CeeDee Lamb and a recovering Michael Gallup. With some continued work on route running and a chance to learn from Gallup and Lamb, he can truly develop into a stellar NFL wideout.