May 26, 2024, 5:02 PM ET
Tolbert put up modest numbers last season, although they were a marked improvement over what he did as a rookie.
FRISCO — Dak Prescott y CeeDee Lamb They have become one of the best quarterback-wide receiver duos in the game. NFL.
Lamb led the NFL in 2023 with 135 receptions, he set a mark for Dallas Cowboys with 1,749 yards receiving, and added 12 touchdowns.
Jalen Tolbert has a chance to take over the third-string role behind CeeDee Lamb and Brandin Cooks. AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez
But as offseason volunteer work has progressed, Lamb has stayed away, waiting for a contract extension that would make him one of the highest-paid wide receivers in the game. NFL, also. No what Prescott y Lamb have not met to work together away from The Star.
“He’s ready to play,” he said. Prescott. “Light as CeeDee Lamb“.
The absence of Lamb has created opportunities for young recipients of the Cowboysincluding Jalen Tolbertthird-round pick in 2022. After cutting Michael Gallup early in the offseason and not taking on the position with a proven player, whether in free agency or the draft, Tolbert has the opportunity to take over the role of third in the order, behind Lamb y Brandin Cooks.
“It’s my goal, to go out there and prove myself; I am who I say I am,” he declared. Tolbert. “Obviously, you hear it all the time. But, just going out there and chasing greatness. I have two guys that are with me on the journey in CeeDee y B. Cooksand I look forward to following in his footsteps and doing what I can to create value for this team.”
Tolbert He put up modest numbers last season — 22 catches for 268 yards and two touchdowns — although they were a marked improvement over what he did as a rookie, when he caught two passes for 12 yards and was shut down for nine games.
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A hamstring injury in the spring and overworking what the offense was asked to do led to Tolbert to a crisis of confidence as a rookie. He spent part of the offseason in the offices of the Senior Bowl studying his old tapes with South Alabama, where he caught 82 passes for 1,474 yards and eight touchdowns in his final campaign. Also, he hit her Prescott.
That has continued this offseason. She recently found herself having dinner with Prescottthe quarterback’s girlfriend, Sarah Jane Ramos, and his little daughter. She has not been asked to stay as a babysitter for her daughter. Prescott, MJstill.
But, he does have the confidence of Prescott.
“It knows where I need to be and when I need to be and what I need to get there,” he said. Tolbert.
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El head coach Mike McCarthy like the old school strategy of Tolbert towards the study; Instead of relying on an iPad, Tolbert He writes it down meticulously in a notebook.
In his time with the Green Bay Packers, McCarthy found success with wide receivers taken after the first round. Jordy Nelson, Greg Jennings, Randall Cobb y Davante Adams They were all second-round recruits. James Jones He was chosen in the third.
At the same time Tolbert is preparing for a third season, McCarthy He said the biggest challenge has been trust.
“He’s made dramatic leaps in that area. I think anything that’s consistent in his game, the more confidence that individual has, his physical play, his urgency, his understanding of detail, his competitiveness, increases vastly,” he noted. McCarthy. “He’s always been a very bright boy.”
When Cooks arrived last year via an offseason trade, from the Houston Texans, Tolbert she immediately gravitated towards him. She spent the last two springs in the house of Cooks in Oregontraining, looking for any secrets he could steal from the 30-year-old wide receiver who boasts seasons of at least 1,000 yards receiving with four different clubs: New Orleans Saints, New England Patriots, Los Angeles Rams y Texans.
“He’s done it for a long time, so having him in my corner is special,” he said. Tolbert. “One thing I know for sure; he’s not going to let me fail and I’m not going to let myself fail. It’s a good situation to be in.”
Cooks have noticed a change in Tolbert in this offseason.
“The way he’s able to pull a route or the way he’s able to tell the quarterback the way he sees things, he’s not shy anymore,” he said. Cooks. “He’s able to walk up to Dak and say, ‘Hey, I’ve seen him like that,’ and it’s great to see him grow in that respect.”
Gallup He had just 34 receptions for 418 yards last season, and his departure had as much to do with the salary cap as it did with skill. To equalize the numbers of Gallup In 2023, Tolbert needs less than one less catch per game. Although it would be difficult to assume that the passes directed at Lamb grow significantly, the numbers of Cooks should rise after a slow start. He had six of his eight touchdowns and 37 of his 54 receptions in the final nine games. The Cowboys They will also be reloaded more at the tight end position, with Jake Ferguson.
But, there is a role for Tolbert take ownership of it and there is another step for you to take.
“It’s ready,” he said. Cooks. “Whatever the expectation is out there for him, I’m telling you he’s ready to break it. He’s ready.”
2024-05-26 21:02:00
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