How 4 Cowboys players who broke out this offseason can contribute in 2023
By Matt Germack
2. Jalen Tolbert
After a disappointing rookie campaign in which he caught just two passes, the third-round pick from Alabama State stood out all offseason. He quickly and decisively separated himself from the group vying for the WR4 spot.
Cowboys coaches have said part of the reason for this is Tolbert’s mental acuity. The 24-year-old is beyond his years as a student of the game, according to coaches.
Cowboys OC Brian Schottenheimer while talking about WR Jalen Tolbert: “Ask him to see his notebook one day. It’s one of the coolest things I’ve ever seen. How he has prepared his mind, for a young player, you’re talking about a second-year player, I was blown away. I told him…
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) July 28, 2023
That skill will likely give coaches the confidence to deploy him in more situations. Tolbert was a versatile perimeter weapon in college, and if his route tree has developed since then he’ll be in a good place mentally.
This being said, Tolbert makes his money as a contested catch machine. He made plenty of impressive plays on deep balls and in traffic during the preseason.
Brice Butler only caught 15 passes in 2017 as a WR4, but averaged 21.1 yards per catch on them. He didn’t do a lot, but what he did he did very well.
Tolbert’s versatility could be a plus, but it’s still a question mark. Don’t be surprised if Tolbert falls into a similar boat to Butler as a complimentary weapon.