Cowboys Minicamp: Jalen Tolbert's starting role might be in jeopardy ahead of training camp
Although we didn’t learn nearly as much as we wanted during the Dallas Cowboys 2024 mandatory minicamp, we did find out there’s a high-stakes battle going on that we weren’t really in tune with. Ahead of OTAs and minicamp, we already had plenty of roster battles on our radar: We knew Cooper Beebe would face […]
Although we didn’t learn nearly as much as we wanted during the Dallas Cowboys 2024 mandatory minicamp, we did find out there’s a high-stakes battle going on that we weren’t really in tune with.
Ahead of OTAs and minicamp, we already had plenty of roster battles on our radar: We knew Cooper Beebe would face some competition from Brock Hoffman and others to start at center. We were aware about Trey Lance having a shot at debunking Cooper Rush from QB2. So on and so forth.
But the moment the Cowboys cut Michael Gallup back in March, the WR3 role seemed like it had an owner: Jalen Tolbert.
When the Cowboys flirted with the idea of signing Zay Jones, it was interpreted by many as nothing but an attempt to purchase an insurance policy in case Tolbert didn’t take the jump they’re betting on. Fast forward to June, however, and it’s starting to sound like Tolbert will need to put up a fight to remain a starter.
That’s because of Jalen Brooks, the second-year wide receiver the Cowboys drafted in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Brooks seems to be ready to graduate from training camp highlight reel to legitimate weapon for the Cowboys.
He’s turned heads at practice with multiple reporters pointing him out as a standout. Bobby Belt from 105.3 The Fan posted on Twitter/X that he liked him over Tolbert at WR3 at the moment. Early in OTAs, Jess Nevarez from the team’s official podcast network hinted at Tolbert having to earn the job as a result of Brooks’ play.
Now or never for Jalen Tolbert?
Entering his third year in the NFL, this feels like a crucial year for Tolbert. He underwhelmed as a rookie, recording two catches after being picked in the third round and being considered a Day 2 steal by Dallas.
Tolbert struggled specifically with the mental aspect of the position, explaining he had to learn a lot to play the position appropriately at the NFL level. In his second year, he went all out, impressing coaches with the depth of his knowledge and Cowboys offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer praising his notebook, which contained impressive detail of the team’s scheme. Tolbert showed improvement in 2023 but still only recorded 20 catches despite his playing time taking a jump in the back-half of the season.
Now that he doesn’t need to share playing time with Gallup, it’s his job to lose. If he’s unable to beat Brooks for WR3, things might be looking stark for the third-year player. Training camp will provide a fun battle.
