Dallas Cowboys: Michael Gallup will be a WR1 in 2020

The Dallas Cowboys are loaded on offense, but it’s Michael Gallup who will stand out the most

Entering the 2020 season, the Dallas Cowboys feature one of the most explosive offenses with Ezekiel Elliott, Amari Cooper, Michael Gallup, rookie CeeDee Lamb, Blake Jarwin, Tony Pollard, and franchise quarterback Dak Prescott.

The Cowboys can beat their opponents in many ways. They can beat them with the pass, the run, from ahead, from behind. That can do it all because the Cowboys have the wide receivers to make anything happen.

And speaking of wide receivers, Cooper and the mega-hyped rookie, Lamb, receive most of the praise as the Cowboys’ best receivers. Heck, even tight end Jarwin is mentioned as another offensive threat before Gallup. Critics and fans alike forget about Gallup when they discuss the Cowboys’ receiving corps.

Okay, they don’t forget about him, but they don’t give that young man the credit he deserves as an up and coming wide out either.

Instead of everyone talking about the impact of Lamb on the Cowboys offense, they should be talking about Gallup being the player on the cusp of greatness.  Yeah, I said it and I’m predicting it right now during the Covid-19 pandemic that Gallup will step up his game and be the best receiver on the Cowboys’ roster.

If you haven’t been paying attention, Gallup hauled in 66 catches for 1,107 yards, six touchdowns,  averaged 16.8 yards a reception, and caught 4.7 passes a game. Oh, and Gallup missed two games with an injury and still put up Pro Bowl like numbers.

In Gallup’s rookie season, the former third round pick out of Colorado State started in eight games, caught 33 passes for 507 yards and two touchdowns. From there Gallup improved tremendously, not just statistically, but in his route running, becoming a downfield threat, and the ability to make would-be tacklers miss.

The main reason Gallup will have a breakout year is the rapport he’s developed with Dak . Those two have found their rhythm, and that’s a scary thing. Dak’s numbers improved because Gallup improved as a receiver, and as a result, the trust was born. Further, Dak will be a better passer this season, and nothing but good things will prosper between the two.

Besides, Dak and Gallup are both fighting for that next big contract, so you know they’re going to ball out.

Speaking of contract, Gallup is in his third year but money is on his mind because he finds himself sandwiched between Coop (who signed a $100 million contract with $60 million in guarantees in March) and the ultra-talented /first round pick Lamb.

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Basically, Gallup is hungry and doesn’t have the financial security as Coop and Lamb. Gallup has to step up his game and standout between a Pro Bowler and a highly touted rookie- who is the icing on the cake for this offense.

Another reason Gallup is destined to have a breakout year is that he’s improved in his first two years as receiver, and that’s a good sign of things to come for a receiver. For instance, Hall of Famer Terrell Owens, future Hall of Famers Antonio Brown, Steve Smith, Hines Ward,  and All Pro Michael Thomas of the New Saints were all selected in the second round or later, and they showed steady improvement early in their careers – just like Gallup.

I’m not saying Gallup is going to the Hall of Fame, but his trajectory puts him on at least the Pro Bowl level and that speak volumes. And if Gallup has a monster year like I’m predicting, best believe Dallas will do everything in their power to keep him, even if Coop and Lamb continue to play at a Pro Bowl level.

The old saying is that “three is a crowd”. But expect Gallup to rise above the crowd and have an incredible breakout year.

• Published on 08/13/2020 at 11:23 AM
• Last updated at 08/13/2020 at 11:23 AM