Cowboys Brandin Cooks Reacts to Jalen Tolbert Development: 'I Did Nothing!'

One of the biggest storylines for the Dallas Cowboys this offseason has been the dramatic improvement in second-year receiver Jalen Tolbert.

After a horror rookie season, Tolbert went to work on his craft this offseason with the help of newly-acquired veteran Brandin Cooks. Much has been made of the relationship the two have and what Cooks has done to help Tolbert and his game.

Being in a battle for the WR4 roster spot, Tolbert has now taken that with both hands after impressing in Dallas' two preseason losses to the Jacksonville Jaguars and Seattle Seahawks.

But for all the help and guidance that Cooks has clearly given Tolbert, the vey isn't taking any credit.

“It’s nothing I’ve done," Cooks said. "It's just the reassurance, 'Hey, go out there, play fast, play confident, and there’s a reason why you’re here.' He’s taken care of the rest, he’s put the work in all offseason, I didn’t do nothing.”

Tolbert's rise from fans wanting him cut (which was unreasonable given his contract and the fact it was only one season) to now a viable option for Dak Prescott on Mike McCarthy's "Texas Coast Offense" has been fun to watch.

For Cooks, his years of experience and playing in different systems and under different coaches has meant that he has acrued some tricks and tips of the trade.

Given his vast knowledge, Cooks felt it was only right to impart that on the Cowboys receiving room.

“It's huge when you get to the years I’ve gotten to in this game, not only do you want to continue to perform help your team win on the field, but at the same time you want to help lead,” Cooks said. “Bring those younger guys up to be able to play bigtime football, and what I see in JT, he has it."

Tolbert was entering what some thought would be defining season, which may sound odd given it is just his second year ... but Dallas needed to see the talent that saw him amass 2,559 yards and 16 touchdowns on 146 receptions in his last two years with South Alabama.

It might only be a small sample size, but Tolbert looks confident in himself as a football player, he's making plays and most importantly, has grabbed his opportunity with both hands.

“I am just building on what I have been trying to build on the whole training camp,” Tolbert said. “Not thinking too much, just going out there and really trying to be comfortable and confident.''

While Cooks refuses to give himself any credit in Tolbert's development, there can be no doubting that he has played a huge role in installing confidence to Jalen ... which has then allowed him to play fast and into calculations as a valuable member of McCarthy's "Texas Coast Offense.''

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