The Dallas Cowboys were handed a Christmas gift in April back in 2020 when CeeDee Lamb was still on the board in the first round with the 17th pick.

All Lamb has done since his draft card was turned in is gradually get better and better from his technique to his route running, and he's considered by most to be a top-10 receiver in the NFL. 

2022 was Lamb's best season yet as he set career highs in receptions (107), yards (1,359), and touchdowns (9). It was one specific area where he excelled, and that was against man coverage as he finished as the second-highest graded receiver according to Pro Football Focus. 

Receiving grade vs. man coverage: 90.7

Lamb was tied second with Chase, coming as close as possible to being first on this list. Lamb primarily played from the slot, which you typically face a lot of underneath zones to get open. However, Lamb showed up when the defense tried to man him up as well – bringing in 32 catches for 458 yards and three touchdowns.

Lamb posted a 2.90 yards per route run figure, which ranked eighth when facing man coverage, and he ranked the exact same when facing zone coverage as well. Of Lamb’s 167 total targets, just 45 of them were against man coverage schemes, but he managed to gain 23 first downs on his 32 receptions. Among these 10 receivers, his 58.3 contested catch percentage ranked second, snagging seven of his 12 opportunities.- Braxton Howard, PFF

Lamb has a great chance to be even as this in 2023.

The addition of veteran Brandin Cooks is arguably the best move of the offseason by the Cowboys, it's either that or acquiring cornerback Stephon Gilmore by trade. With the threat of Cooks as a speedster plus Michael Gallup's playmaking skills to haul in contested catches on the outside, Lamb will get a lot of one-on-one opportunities in the slot, and that means scary hours for opposing defensive backs.

The Cowboys named Brian Schottenheimer their new offensive coordinator, and Mike McCarthy will take over play-calling duties for Kellen Moore who is now with the Los Angeles Chargers. With this scheme that's geared towards short/horizontal passing routes to produce big plays, Lamb should continue to flourish and cause tons of nightmares for defensive coordinators. 

Cowboys: CeeDee Lamb sends NFL a powerful message

It was loud and clear.

Feature image via Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports