'I'm Taking It Personally!' Cowboys WR Jalen Tolbert Ready for Year 2 Jump?
For the most part, third-round NFL Draft picks enter the league with little pressure to make an immediate impact. However, for the Dallas Cowboys, the last decade has seen the franchise find help at wide receiver on the latter half of Day 2 - Terrence Williams (2013) and Michael Gallup (2018).
So when the Cowboys drafted South Alabama product Jalen Tolbert at No. 88 in 2022, the rookie understood the expectations. But Tolbert's rookie campaign did not go to according to plan, suiting up in just eight games and registering two receptions for 12 total yards.
“Obviously last year didn’t go how I wanted it to or anybody wanted it to,” Tolbert said as the team preps for this week's minicamp. “I’m taking it personal. I’m looking forward to proving everybody wrong. Obviously, I hear a lot of (criticism), so I love it.
“I didn’t have the year that I wanted and I take full responsibility for it. I’m looking forward to making that Year 2 jump and continuing to work and build chemistry and continue to do positive things on and off the field with these guys. I’m excited for this year.”
Known for his athleticism and speed over his four collegiate seasons, Tolbert averaged 18 yards per reception during his senior campaign en route to be named the 2021 Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Year.
But there were growing pains for a prospect who'd put an emphasis on playing baseball for much of his life. Now, though, in a receiver room of CeeDee Lamb, Gallup and recent addition Brandin Cooks, the second-year wideout, as he competes with Simi Fehoko and others for the No. 4 wideout job, is getting attention for his desire to make an impact this season.
“He’s gotten better, route running, his ability to catch in traffic, his confidence is growing,” Lamb said. “You can see it, day by day as we go, he’s continuing to ask questions, staying late after meetings. The determination is there. All he has to do is keep working.”
If Tolbert can make a leap this season, Dallas could be looking at one of the league's best receiving corps. ... and maybe he'll make defensive backfields have to "take it personally'' when he succeeds.
You can find Riley Sheppard on Twitter @RileyDSheppard
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