5 Dallas Cowboys who need to stand out in Preseason Game 1
By Dink Kearney
Dallas Cowboys player to watch No.2: Jalen Tolbert – 3rd Round, WR
Jalen Tolbert is being penciled in as day one starter, and Tolbert is expected to have a really good season, a breakout season if you ask me. Despite Tolbert being a third rounder and playing at South Alabama, the man absolutely held his own and then some against Power 5 colleges like Tennessee. In other words, Tolbert dominated against the same first round picks he’ll go up against in the NFL.
Just like Houston brings value, Tolbert can be what Lamb was to Dallas’ offense in his rookie season. During Lamb’s rookie season, he caught 74 passes for 935 yards and five touchdowns while sharing receptions with Coop and Gallup. Tolbert is capable of that and more as the third option, and if Wilson had 603 yards as WR3, then Tolbert can clearly surpass that benchmark the more talented wideout.
Further, Tolbert has practiced with Dak this offseason and built a rapport, allowing Dak to trust the talented newcomer. Tolbert’s ability to run sharp routes and beat single coverage opens the offense up more in that Lamb can be free to play in the slot and create havoc.
More weapons mean Dak can spread the ball around more and not exactly force feed Lamb, who will undoubtedly face double teams. But that’s fine because Tolbert and Houston will make them pay dearly.