Re-grading the Cowboys 2022 NFL Draft class after Year 1
By Jerry Trotta
Round 4
Jake Ferguson – Tight End
- Wisconsin, Pick No. 129 overall
The buzz surrounding Ferguson after Year 1 is tangible and fully deserved after he posted 19 catches for 174 yards and two touchdowns.
In mind-boggling fashion, Ferguson was targeted 3.0 yards downfield on average and still managed 10.4 yards per catch, while Dalton Schultz was targeted 8.0 yards downfield and tallied just 10.1 yards per catch.
That’s a testament to Ferguson’s ability to make defenders miss after the catch. The young tight end has a bright future in Dallas.
Grade: B
Round 3
Jalen Tolbert – Wide Receiver
- South Alabama, Pick No. 88 overall
It brings us no joy to talk down on a player, but it’s nearly impossible to speak of Tolbert in a glowing light after Year 1.
A large contingent of Cowboys fans were excited when the team drafted Tolbert in the third round. While nobody expected him to post 1,000 yards out of the gate, you could also contend nobody expected him to be a complete non-factor … especially given the state of the receiver room behind CeeDee Lamb.
Tolbert appeared in eight games, and logged 81 offensive snaps, finishing with two catches for 12 yards on three targets. He started the season playing special teams, but was ultimately pulled from that role, and was inactive for the final five games (inactive for nine games overall).
Let’s hope for a Tolbert bounce back in 2023.
Grade: D (with room to improve)