Every year following the conclusion of the NFL Draft, there is always a plethora of hot takes from analysts or fans on which rookies will be either all-stars, sleepers, surprises, or busts in their first year. While opinions vary, one hot-take caught my eye recently, as Bleacher Report Writer Ian Wharton listed South Alabama WR Jalen Tolbert as a “surprise rookie gem” for the Dallas Cowboys.
In his paragraph about Tolbert, Wharton said:
“Tolbert’s silky game projects well as a replacement for Cooper. The 6’1″ wideout should also see extra targets early since Gallup is recovering from a torn ACL. Look for him to be a Rookie of the Year candidate if the volume of targets remains steady all season.”
While I agree with Wharton’s point, I feel like if Tolbert excels early on, it wouldn’t be much of a surprise. Everyone has seen the losses the Cowboys have had in their WR Room this offseason, and Tolbert will be entering a situation where he’s needed to produce right away.
With that in mind, expect to see Tolbert put up solid production at the beginning of the season, but once Gallup comes back–things should change.
Factor in the team using WRs James Washington, Noah Brown, Simi Fehoko, or a possible WR (they could trade or sign for) to replace the production of WRs Amari Cooper and Cedrick Wilson Jr., Tolbert will have his work cut out for him.
Furthermore, I’m a fan of Tolbert, but the situation around him will benefit his production, and as they say in fantasy football, “sell high before you’re disappointed by the player.”
A surprise rookie gem is better suited for any of the Cowboys’ later draft picks or even UDFAs. That is why I’m SELLING on Tolbert being a “surprise rookie gem.” And for those curious about who I would choose, I couldn’t decide between one, so here are three options.
Watch out for a C from Boston College, a TE from Wisconsin (who’s being severely underrated for pass-catch ability), and a WR from Ole Miss, who all should make noise in Training Camp and have the chance to see valuable time on the field.
