Dallas Cowboys: 3 Rookies that could start in Week 1
By Randy Gurzi
Dallas Cowboys possible rookie starter No. 2: Jalen Tolbert, WR
Late last season, the Cowboys suffered a loss to the Arizona Cardinals and in that defeat, they also lost wide receiver Michael Gallup.
While making a tremendous touchdown grab, Gallup came down on his leg awkwardly and it was revealed shortly afterward that he tore his ACL. Despite the injury, Dallas traded Amari Cooper to Cleveland and extended Gallup who was set for free agency.
The mere fact that they gave him a multi-year deal suggests they have faith he will recover. Even so, he had surgery in January which will put him just eight months out from the operation when the season kicks off.
That could open the door for someone else to start across from CeeDee Lamb in Week 1 and the top candidate could very well be third-round pick Jalen Tolbert.
A product of South Alabama, Tolbert didn’t come from a big school but he was someone who had a lot of fans. He’s got the size at 6-foot-1 and 194-pounds and ran a sub 4.5 in the 40-yard dash.
While he didn’t always face elite talent, he also didn’t shy away from it when he had the chance. He was praised for how well he did against the corners for Tennessee as he had no problem beating their coverage.
A three-sport star, Tolbert is incredibly athletic and already turning heads in practices for Dallas. He should be a contributor for years to come and might be asked to do a lot, even possibly starting early in the season as Gallup works his way back to 100 percent health.