Following the trade for George Pickens to deploy him opposite CeeDee Lamb, the third-string receiver role for the Dallas Cowboys is up for grabs, but it has morphed into a completely different competition than what fans expected before training camp got underway.
The noise during camp has been loud for Jonathan Mingo, Traeshon Holden and KaVontae Turpin. The coaching staff has gone as far as giving Turpin some rushing reps, and this shows how Brian Schottenheimer isn't wasting any time testing the limitations of his players. Even though Tolbert is still the favorite to win the WR3 role, Mingo's not letting Tolbert off the hook that easily.
On the Doin' Alright Podcast with Voch Lombardi, ex-Cowboys scout Bryan Broaddus said Tolbert has gone from battling for the third spot to a guy that's now in danger of losing his spot entirely. Broaddus also praised the other receivers for looking solid.
"Mingo has been more noticeable, to be honest with you, Brooks has been more noticeable...The connection between (Tolbert) and Dak has not been really good, and then maybe a connection with (Tolbert) and Joe Milton hasn't been very good. I think there are some real questions about his spot on this team, whether you keep five or six guys," Broaddus said.
Cowboys WR Jalen Tolbert might not be a lock to make the 53-man roster
Broaddus delivered another harsh Tolbert truth later in the pod, saying that if Tolbert was consistent each game last season, perhaps the Cowboys wouldn't have ever made a splash for George Pickens.
Even though Tolbert is coming off his most productive season to date, catching 49 balls for 610 yards and seven touchdowns, it was more obvious each game that outside of Lamb, the Cowboys didn't have much consistency in the passing game.
Cowboys podcaster and film analyst Voch Lombardi believes that Tolbert popped more in Oxnard last year compared to now.
"I just feel like Tolbert's last camp was much more impactful than this one," Lombardi said.
With Mingo flashing on a consistent basis and building his chemistry with Prescott, Tolbert needs to kick things into high gear. Mingo is also slightly bigger than Tolbert. The Cowboys aren't exactly flush with size in their WR room, so Tolbert has that working against him.
While it’s unlikely Dallas outright cuts Tolbert, Broaddus wouldn’t bring it up if there wasn’t at least a chance it could happen. Consider the wide receiver battle must-watch from here on out.