Dallas Cowboys: All Hands on Deck – Who Steps Up at WR?

When the Dallas Cowboys open training camp, they must answer one big question: How do they replace Amari Cooper and manage without Michael Gallup to begin the regular season. Dallas‘ replacement options are young and inexperienced but will have plenty of opportunities for 2 of them to emerge as the 2nd and 3rd receivers behind CeeDee Lamb. 

The most likely candidates to compete for spots are returning veteran Noah Brown, free agent signing James Washington, third-round rookie out of South Alabama Jalen Tolbert, and 2021 fifth-round pick Simi Fehoko. James Washington has 25 starts under his belt, the only option with significant experience. However, the Cowboys have unproven talents that will fight for their place.

• James Washington

James Washington isn’t a polished route runner, nor has a diverse route tree. But he does provides big plays for an offense. Washington’s value to the Dallas Cowboys is his penchant for being a deep ball threat; something the Cowboys will need in the absence of Michael Gallup. Unfortunately, Washington’s numbers have declined since a career-best 16.7 yards per reception in 2019, coinciding with the decline of Ben Roethlisberger. 

Washington’s explosive play potential would fit well with Dak Prescott, who was 7th in passing plays of 20 yards or more last season. Given his starting experience, if healthy, Washington likely starts at the top of the depth chart opposite CeeDee Lamb.

• Noah Brown

Once thought of as a steal of the draft, Noah Brown has only sparingly made his way on the field. Brown has been a mainstay on Dallas’ special teams since being drafted. He’s teased Dallas Cowboys fans with his potential; never being able to put it all together. Dallas has tried Brown in several different spots in formations throughout his career. Although he played 40% of his offensive snaps last year from the slot or in tight formation, the team didn’t take advantage of any mismatches.

Despite many of his targets being near the line of scrimmage, Brown didn’t do much after the catch. (4.25 YAC/R). Going into his 6th season, it’s now or never. Brown needs to prove he deserves a more prominent role on the team. 

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• Simi Fehoko

Simi Fehoko enters camp as a mystery man of sorts. Last summer, he got minimal chances in the preseason, playing behind veterans Malik Turner and Cedrick Wilson. Now that both players are elsewhere, that will change. While there’s been discussion of Fehoko playing a hybrid receiver/tight end, his unique skill set is best suited at receiver. 

At 6’4″ with 4.4 speed, Fehoko makes an enticing option in the starting lineup. Though not as physical as his size would suggest, he can line up both outside and in the slot; creating mismatches with his size or taking the top off opposing defenses. For Fehoko to have a legitimate shot, he must make a strong early impression and stay healthy.

• Jalen Tolbert

For several reasons, Jalen Tolbert may be the favorite to secure a top spot on the depth chart. First, he’s already built a connection with quarterback Dak Prescott; and second, his maturity as a prospect. In addition, having played at a small school, Tolbert is unafraid of the big moment, evidenced by his 7-reception, 143-yard performance at Tennessee last year.

 

At 23 years old, Tolbert has subtlety and nuance as a route runner to get separation quickly. The above-referenced exhibits how well-rounded Tolbert’s route assortment is at such a young age. Tolbert may not have the top-end speed of his receiver counterparts, but his advanced array routes will ensure he gets an extended look.

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