4 things to know about new Cowboys WR Jalen Tolbert
With Michael Gallup likely missing the start of the season and the loss of Amari Cooper, wideout was a well-established need for the Dallas Cowboys entering the 2022 NFL draft. Although the addition of James Washington helped soften the blow, this offense was still missing a reliable playmaker opposite CeeDee Lamb going into this season.
Jalen Tolbert is just that. After racking up all of the accolades, records and big plays he can during his time at South Alabama, Tolbert found his way into the draft process and Dallas showed heavy interest throughout the spring. There is a lot to be excited about with Tolbert so here a few things to know about the newest addition to weapons on this Cowboy offense.
1) Early Years
Tolbert was born on February 27, 1999 in Mobile, Alabama where he would eventually play his college ball. He attended McGil-Toolen High School and lettered three seasons, receiving honorable mention accolades as a senior after finishing with 37 receptions for 696 yards for nine touchdowns. He also played basketball and baseball, seeing team success at both sports.
2) Recruitment
Tolbert was only rated a two-star recruit but received a whopping 12 offers. These came from power five schools like Michigan State and Mississippi State but he ultimately chose to stay right next to home. He would go on to join South Alabama in the spring of 2017 tokened as a 6-foot-3, 185 pound receiver who ranked as the 2,952nd player in the nation.
3) College Career
Tolbert would suffer an injury in preseason camp that would see him miss the season however he still managed to be member on the Sun Belt Honor Roll. As a redshirt freshman he would see action in every game but saw minimal production, only hauling in five balls for 60 yards. This would change as in the next two seasons he would catch 91 passes for 1,606 yards and 14 touchdowns, averaging a staggering 17.6 yards a catch. This production would carry on as a senior, catching 82 passes for 1,474 yards and eight scores. This elite three-year production saw him break many school records and bring home numerous accolades.
4) Play Style and Fit
Tolbert has the size, athleticism and receiver skills to play in the slot, at the Z or X. He’s an incredibly smooth and explosive athlete with a solid catch radius and great release technique off press. As a route runner he sinks his hips which allows him fluid transitions in and out breaks and showcases twitchy feet. He has the speed to beat you over the top and has enough physicality in his game to battle with corners. The main holes in his game come from concentration drops which Cowboy receivers have been notorious for over the past few seasons so should he be able to clean those up, there is potential for another Michael Gallup-esc steal with Tolbert.
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