Breaking down PFF’s three bold takes for the Cowboys’ 2022 season

2. “Rookie WR Jalen Tolbert will record 900-plus yards”

This is an interesting one. It doesn’t seem as “bold” as Prescott’s take. Given the injured veterans and inexperienced young players that currently make up the wide receiver room, Jalen Tolbert having a breakout rookie season doesn’t seem that far-fetched. The South Alabama product is likely going to start Week 1 of the regular season whether he’s ready for it or not given Gallup and James Washington are out for at least the first week.

Because of this, Tolbert will be getting far more targets than he would if Gallup and Washington were both healthy to start the year. More targets hopefully mean more catches and more yards. This will truly be a great opportunity for Tolbert to show what he can do in this league.

"The third-round rookie out of South Alabama had a phenomenal college career, racking up almost 1,500 yards last season. He recorded 35 explosive plays in his final season and showed well at the Senior Bowl when the level of competition was elevated."

It’s also important to remember that CeeDee Lamb (as the only seasoned veteran who will start Week 1) will likely get double coverage for a good amount of snaps. This gives more opportunity to Tolbert as well.

All in all, I do think 900 yards is a bit generous. I think the 700-800 range feels fairer especially given how Tolbert struggled a bit in the first preseason game against the Broncos.

Whether he’s ready for the bright lights or not, Tolbert is going to be thrown into the ring right from the start. His success as a rookie is totally possible, it’s just up to him to perform.