How Jalen Tolbert's versatility can take the Cowboys' passing game to new heights in 2022
The Cowboys got their wide receiver on Friday when they took Jalen Tolbert out of South Alabama in the third round. His speed (ran 4.49 in the 40-yard dash), 6-foot-3 frame, and ability to high point the ball are impressive. However, another trait that makes Tolbert such an intriguing selection for the Cowboys. Players that […]
The Cowboys got their wide receiver on Friday when they took Jalen Tolbert out of South Alabama in the third round. His speed (ran 4.49 in the 40-yard dash), 6-foot-3 frame, and ability to high point the ball are impressive. However, another trait that makes Tolbert such an intriguing selection for the Cowboys.
Players that have position flex are valued high with the Cowboys. During his collegiate career, Tolbert played every position at wide receiver which is rare no matter how talented a player is. With that diverse skill set, offensive coordinator Kellen Moore now has a laundry list of options when it comes to the passing game.
CeeDee Lamb made his name known in 2020 from the slot. Before his list of injuries last season, Michael Gallup began taking reps in the slot during training camp. This gives the Cowboys three receivers who can line up at multiple positions if need be when adding Tolbert.
Potentially, the Cowboys could place Lamb and Gallup on the outside and let Tolbert use his physicality and athleticism in the slot to be a matchup nightmare when he will generally be going against the opposing team's second or third corner. His ability to stretch the field on the outside allows for Lamb to slide back inside and flourish.
Putting Tolbert in the slot can also be valuable in four-receiver sets. The addition of James Washington gave the Cowboys a vertical threat down the field, a role Gallup once had by his lonesome. Dallas could attack by lining up Washington and Gallup on the outside and letting Lamb and Tolbert feast in the middle of the field.
The task for Moore will be to utilize all the traits of these guys the right way. If successful, Dak Prescott could have quite a versatile group of targets from the receiver position. Toss in tight end Dalton Schultz and Prescott may surpass the single-season passing touchdown record next season that he set in 2021.
Feature image via Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports