3 Cowboys players who could be one-and-done in 2023
By Jerry Trotta
2. Jalen Tolbert, WR
The Cowboys’ front office has an excellent track record in the NFL Draft. Go look at the returns from the most recent showcases. In 2022 alone, they netted a handful of instant contributors, including Tyler Smith, Sam Williams, DaRon Bland, and Damone Clark. The one outlier, however, has been Jalen Tolbert.
Round 3 has been a gold mine for receivers over the years, but it appears the Cowboys whiffed on the former South Alabama standout. Whether it’s a matter of not picking up the offense, or Tolbert experiencing a longer-than-expected rookie learning curve, he hasn’t come close to meeting post-draft expectations.
Through Week 17, Tolbert’s managed just two catches for 12 yards. He hasn’t eclipsed 25 offensive snaps in any game, and has been a healthy scratch for four weeks running. In the rare instance Tolbert’s been given an opportunity, it’s often ended in disaster; like when he lined up offsides in overtime vs Green Bay.
It’s unlikely the Cowboys outright cut Tolbert in March, but it wouldn’t (or shouldn’t) surprise anyone if he doesn’t make the 53-man roster next year.
Whether TY Hilton sticks around, Dallas signs a free agent to assume the WR role, or uses another mid-round pick on a prospect, Tolbert faces long odds to be a Cowboy come Week 1 of 2023 amid a lost rookie campaign.