Why the Cowboys' No. 3 receiver role will be a key development with a big opportunity (2024)

FRISCO, Texas — When the first-team offensive unit for the Dallas Cowboys lined up for the seven-on-seven portion of practice inside The Star on Wednesday, Brandin Cooks was split out wide to the right. On the far left perimeter, Jalen Tolbert got set as quarterback Dak Prescott prepared to snap the ball.

This is the state of the wide receivers group for the Cowboys as OTAs get underway. CeeDee Lamb, Dallas’ top receiver, remained absent from voluntary team activities as he seeks a new contract. Barring a dramatic shift in negotiations, Lamb is not expected to be with the team during OTAs or mandatory minicamp. His head coach and quarterback, as well as teammates such as Cooks, expressed their support.

“That’s my guy,” Prescott said. “Not many people out there more swaggier, cooler, better player than that guy. So obviously, you’re gonna miss him, miss having him around. But I’ve been in this situation; it’s business. Business is business. He’s got my support, and I know (he has) the locker room’s support. That’s part of it. Hopefully he’ll get all his and everything he deserves and is worth.”

In addition to Lamb’s absence, the Cowboys parted ways with Michael Gallup this offseason. A position that was fortified at the top of the depth chart — Lamb, Cooks and Gallup, respectively — a year ago at this time now has questions.

Although the Cowboys have immediate questions at wide receiver, the outlook at the position isn’t necessarily dire. Signing Lamb to an extension is widely believed to be a matter of when not if. Once Lamb is back in the fold, the Cowboys will have one of the best wide receivers in the league headlining the position. Not only has Lamb been prolific on the field, but he’s also been on a constant upward trajectory since entering the league in 2020.

In Lamb’s absence Wednesday, Cooks was hard to miss. His speed — a hallmark throughout his career — was on full display as Prescott connected with him multiple times during the seven-on-seven sessions. Cooks had a slow start to the season last year, but a full year in Mike McCarthy’s offense and developing chemistry with Prescott should serve him well to hit the ground running, which is his own expectation.

“I’m ready to rock,” Cooks said. “Don’t get me wrong, I’m a leader, but at the same time, I’m a playmaker. My mindset, I just look forward to getting this season going and hitting that stride like I know I’m capable of.”

Beyond Lamb and Cooks, things can get interesting. In today’s NFL, a dynamic duo at receiver isn’t enough. Having a strong No. 3 guy is important — with all hands on deck and especially so that an injury at the top doesn’t decimate the position. Tolbert’s emergence last season (22 catches, 268 yards, two TDs), relatively speaking, was encouraging. It was hardly a breakout performance but was better than his 2022 rookie season, when he had two catches for 12 yards and was mostly remembered for a bad penalty.

The vibes around Tolbert are different as he enters his third season.

“I would say his confidence; he’s taken leaps and bounds in that area,” McCarthy said. “I think anything that’s consistent in this game, the more confident that the individual is, his physicality, his urgency, the understanding of detail, the competitiveness vastly increases. He’s always been a very bright young man. I go back to his rookie season, and we spent some extra time together on the Sunday off days. He had every play written out — the detail of his note-taking.”

Tolbert’s work ethic and desire to be good have never come into question, even when the results weren’t following on the field. But the NFL is a bottom-line business, and most things are secondary to what a player can produce on the field. Looking at the past, present and future, Tolbert has a huge opportunity to elevate his trajectory.

Last year, following his tough rookie season and a solidified top trio, Tolbert was primarily competing for the No. 4 spot on the depth chart with the likes of KaVontae Turpin and Jalen Brooks. This year, Tolbert is competing for the No. 3 spot. As valuable as that spot is, for Tolbert, it can easily be the next step to bigger things. Cooks will be 31 this season and is in a contract year. If Tolbert lives up to his end of the bargain, he could be looking at an opportunity to be the No. 2 guy in Dallas opposite of Lamb in 2025.

“The time together, whether it’s talking baseball games or going to a Mavs game or Stars game, whatever it is, just that time outside of the football field, you’re growing and learning more about him,” Tolbert said of his growing chemistry with Prescott. “As you learn him and he learns me, you understand a person’s why, why they’re doing it and what they’re doing it for. You’re continuing to grow and continuing to understand that it’s bigger than yourself. Having a quarterback like that — and obviously, Brandin has taken me under his wing, went out there — and working with him, understanding why he does it and hanging out with his family every day is special.

“For them to trust in me and bring me around to those environments and continuing to spend time with me, it’s special for me. I’m going to do what I can to make sure I hold up my end of the bargain and I hold it very well. I’m confident in myself. Now I’m just having fun with it.”

Lamb’s absence, though not ideal, could end up being a blessing in disguise for the Cowboys. Tolbert is getting valuable reps and catching more passes from Prescott than he would be otherwise. There’s a trickle-down effect on the roster, too, as guys such as Brooks and Turpin also get more face time in premium spots.

Tolbert is the leader in the clubhouse to capture the No. 3 wide receiver spot, but he still has to earn it in OTAs, minicamp and training camp. Whoever ends up in that role could have a huge opportunity this season. Lamb will garner the bulk of the defense’s attention. Cooks’ speed and veteran savvy will keep the opposition on notice, too. From the tight end spot, Jake Ferguson — given his development and chemistry with Prescott — might end up being the second or third receiving option in the passing game.

The No. 3 receiver will be in a position to exploit mismatches against the depth of opposing defenses. Who will emerge in that role for the Cowboys will be something to monitor throughout the summer.

(Top photo of Jalen Tolbert: Megan Briggs / Getty Images)

Saad Yousuf is a staff writer covering the Dallas Cowboys and Dallas Stars. He also works at 96.7/1310 The Ticket in Dallas after five years at ESPN Dallas radio. Prior to The Athletic, Saad covered the Cowboys for WFAA, the Mavericks for Mavs.com and a variety of sports at The Dallas Morning News, ESPN.com and SB Nation. Follow Saad on Twitter @SaadYousuf126