Grading the Cowboys 88th overall pick: South Alabama WR Jalen Tolbert

I have said it before and I will say it again. The Dallas Cowboys get their guys. If a man is on their list, they’ll take him, whether he is the best available or not. Wide receiver Jalen Tolbert from South Alabama is the newest member of the Cowboys’ WR corps. He was selected with the 88th overall pick in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft.

Dallas was expected to be interested in Tolbert with their 56th overall pick so having him available in the third must have made them ecstatic. The Cowboys badly needed a wide receiver and addressing the position with Tolbert was a good selection.

Grading the Cowboys’ selection of WR Jalen Tolbert at 88th overall in the 2022 NFL Draft

Grade: B+

I must admit I was hoping Dallas could haven taken a wide receiver in the first round, but all the tops ones flew off the board before the Cowboys had a chance to pick. Having Tolbert as a fallback option is great news for the Cowboys. He can come in right away and take over the Cedrick Wilson role in the offense.

I gave this pick a “B+” because they finally addressed their biggest need other than offensive guard. Tolbert has good speed (4.49-second 40-yard dash) and can make plays all over the field. Tolbert’s hands are very good and you can trust him to make tough catches in traffic. He is also a good route running with good start/stop ability.

The new Cowboy’s college production was elite at South Alabama. In 2021, he reeled in 82 passes for 1,474 yards and eight touchdowns. He had 18 yards per reception which was eighth in division one amongst players with at least 1,000 receiving yards. Those numbers helped him win the Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Year award.

The South Alabama product will probably be used both inside and outside during the first few weeks of the season as the Cowboys are expected to be without Michael Gallup for a few games. He can be used as a downfield threat and make contested catches similar to Gallup. Tolbert told reporters that he can bring a lot to this team, including versatility.

He had a privet workout with Cowboys wide receivers coach Robert Prince so there has always been a clear interest in Tolbert from Jerry Jones and Co. Plus, the South Alabama product has apparently already made a connection with QB Dak Prescott earlier this week.

Overall, I really like the selection of Tolbert. He is not a top-tier athlete, but he is a really good wide receiver who has the college production to show for it. He will be counted on to play a big role in his rookie season and hopefully he will be up for the challenge. Through two days the Cowboys have addressed three of their biggest needs and should be looking for additional depth pieces on the final day of the draft.