3 Takeaways from Dallas Cowboys final camp practice
By Randy Gurzi
2. Gallup ready for prime time
The second takeaway from this session revolves around yet another wide receiver for the Cowboys. With Amari Cooper out, Michael Gallup has stepped in as the No. 1 receiver — which is fitting since Cooper and head coach Mike McCarthy have both been adamant that No. 13 is a legit No. 1 threat in the NFL.
It’s hard to argue with them after the season Gallup had in 2019. A second-year pro, Gallup finished with 66 receptions for 1,107 yards and six touchdowns. He did this while missing two games due to a knee injury that required surgery — and didn’t miss a beat when he returned.
So far this year, he looks ready to take yet another step forward and on Monday, he turned heads with an athletic one-handed catch which was praised by Jon Machota.
Highlight of today’s practice: Michael Gallup with a one-handed (Randy Moss, Odell Beckham Jr., Dez Bryant type) grab in the back of the end zone in red zone drills
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 31, 2020
One thing that has really stood out with Gallup is the way he’s able to make these tough catches look routine. He had more than his fair share last season, which included several deep balls that attributed to his 16.8 yards per reception average.
Dallas is deep at receiver with Cooper, Gallup, rookie CeeDee Lamb, and the ascending Wilson. They would love to have them all healthy and making life hard on defenders but the rise of Gallup makes things seem not as dire when it comes to whatever is keeping Cooper on the sidelines. If he can’t go full speed early on, Gallup will be ready to handle the heavy lifting.