3 best moves of the Dallas Cowboys 2022 offseason
2. Drafting Jalen Tolbert to help with WR depth
Another position group that got majorly uprooted this offseason was wide receiver. Not only are Amari Cooper and Cedrick Wilson now in new uniforms, but starting WR Michael Gallup is also not expected to be available for the start of the 2022 season. That leaves the ‘Boys without three of their most effective receivers from 2021.
The Cowboys did add former Steeler James Washington as an external free agent. And while Washington claims that he didn’t have a chance to shine in the Steelers system, the stats say that the former second-rounder doesn’t have a solid NFL season to his name. Veteran experience is always helpful, but there’s no guarantee that Washington emerges as a different player with the star on his chest.
That’s why the third-round selection of Jalen Tolbert out of South Alabama was a huge move for the front office. Tolbert didn’t even start playing football until his sophomore year of high school, but his size and athletic prowess give him an incredibly high ceiling.
WR Jalen Tolbert, a rookie third-round pick, had a very strong practice. It began with him seeing more live work at punt returner than anyone. RB Tony Pollard eventually rotated in as well, but based on spring, there is a real chance Tolbert leads Dallas in punt returns. pic.twitter.com/70GfkpVEcE
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) June 14, 2022
Kellen Moore, McCarthy, Prescott, and many others have already expressed their excitement about this rookie and where he can go in his career. Pro Football Focus even named Tolbert one of six potential breakout candidates for the NFC for 2022.
The 88th overall pick has a serious chance to be a Week 1 starter solely due to the question marks in the air about the depth chart. If he continues to stand out in offseason programming, the South Alabama star could be a huge get for Dallas. With CeeDee Lamb close to contract talks and Gallup just signing a massive contract extension, the Cowboys could certainly benefit from a rookie becoming a star receiver.