Cowboys coaches, teammates excited for Jalen Tolbert's Year 3 jump

Perhaps no Cowboys player has a bigger opportunity for growth than third-year wide receiver Jalen Tolbert this year. After minimal contributions as a rookie, Tolbert increased his production last season and played in all 17 games. Now, he has the chance to become the team’s No. 3 behind CeeDee Lamb and Brandin Cooks after the departure of Michael Gallup in the offseason.

Tolbert intends to “chase greatness” this season after posting 22 catches, 268 yards, and his first two touchdowns.

“That’s my goal, to go out and prove to myself; I am who I say I am,” Tolbert said this week. “Obviously, you hear that all the time. But just go out there and chase greatness. I have two guys who ride along with me in CeeDee and B. Cooks, and I’m looking forward to following in their footsteps and doing what I can to create value on this team.”

The former South Alabama star has the support of his coaches and his teammates in his quest to boost his role in the offense. Head coach Mike McCarthy described the biggest change he’s seen in the young wide receiver, which has been his increase in confidence.

“He’s taken leaps and bounds in that area. 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,” McCarthy said. “He’s always been a very bright young man.”

Brandin Cooks predicts big jump from Tolbert

Tolbert’s teammates have also seen the change in the former third-rounder. Brandin Cooks, who played his first season for Dallas in 2023, told reporters that the wideout has improved communication with Dak Prescott since last year and that he’s “ready to go.”

“The way that he’s able to talk about a route or the way he’s able to tell the quarterback the way he sees things, he’s not shy anymore,” Cooks said. “He’s able to go up to Dak and say, ‘Hey, I seen it this way,’ and it’s awesome to see him grow in that respect.”

“He’s ready to go,” Cooks added. “Whatever the expectation is for him out there, I’m telling you he’s going to crush it. He’s ready.”

Reporters relayed Cooks’ comments to Tolbert for his reaction. He was grateful for his teammate’s confidence and support.

“He’s done it for a long time, so having him in my corner is special. I know one thing for sure,” Tolbert said. “He’s not going to let me fail and I’m not going to let myself fail. That’s a good situation to be in.”

To surpass Michael Gallup’s totals from the 2023 season, Tolbert will need at least 34 receptions and 418 yards this year. The first opportunity to chip away at that total comes on Sept. 8 when the Cowboys travel to face the Cleveland Browns.