Despite scrutiny, 3rd-year player leads Cowboys WR3 race

The Dallas Cowboys have a few more practices to get in this week before sharing the field with the Los Angeles Rams this coming Thursday. Competition so far at this training camp has been fierce. The exodus of more than a dozen players from last year’s team means fresh faces are strapping on their helmets to prove to teammates who have never seen it first hand, what they can do.

One of the fiercest and most heavily anticipated training camp battles in Oxnard has been the competition for the third wide receiver position. In most teams, this position can be regarded as the slot wide receiver position.

For the Cowboys, however, star WR CeeDee Lamb is the go-to guy in the slot when it matters most. Fans of the green team in Pennsylvania, perhaps jealous that their top wide receiver, AJ Brown, isn’t as good as Lamb, dubbed him Slot Boy.

Because of the amount of time Lamb spends in the slot, the third wide receiver in the Cowboys’ offense needs to have the ability to play outside when needed, and can’t only be a designated slot wide receiver.

CeeDee Lamb’s absence from the team has increased opportunities for several young players to showcase their improvement since the last time they participated in team activities.

Today, we will analyze a handful of those players and determine their chances to solidify themselves as the third wide receiver on the depth chart behind CeeDee Lamb and Brandin Cooks.

This is the third installment of Cowboys training camp battles. Here are the links for parts one and two.

Safety

Running Back

Let’s get into the list of wide receivers competing for the third spot on the depth chart, starting with a heavily scrutinized 3rd-round pick from the 2022 NFL Draft.

Jalen Tolbert

The light bulb appears to have finally lit for Jalen Tolbert. He has been heavily scrutinized by the fan base, but it could be a case of unfair expectations.

The issue lies with the front office calling him “NFL ready” when he was drafted.

It put unfair pressure on him to perform at a high level immediately, but after two subpar years, it looks like he’s turned the corner.

Tolbert has several highlight reel plays during training camp thus far, and his connection with Dak Prescott is undeniable.

That should come as no surprise.

Dak and Tolbert have worked together each offseason in the “Dak Yard” each offseason since the latter was drafted.

If Tolbert can continue this level of play in practice and show it versus the Rams’ defensive backs during joint practices, you can essentially lock him in as the third wide receiver on the depth chart.

KaVontae Turpin

We know that KaVontae Turpin will make the team regardless of his performance as a wide receiver on offense, because his true value is in returning kicks. However, he does appear to be an important piece of the offense’s plan.

HC Mike McCarthy and OC Brian Schottenheimer have lined Turpin up all over the formation this summer. He has played on the outside, in the slot, and even lined up as a running back.

The bottom line is that Turpin is a weapon that can’t be limited to one position on offense.

So no, he will not win the WR3 job, but you can bet that he will contribute heavily to the offense, and some of those contributions may be as the third wide receiver on the field.

Jalen Brooks

Jalen Brooks is the Cowboys’ 7th-round pick from last year’s draft. He flashed in training camp last season, surprisingly making the team and even the game day roster.

He played sparingly on offense, lining up during the game on just 16% of the offense’s snaps for the entire year.

Brooks made the most of his opportunities, catching all six targets thrown in his direction for 64 yards.

With an even larger frame than CeeDee Lamb, Brooks (6’2″ 205lbs) is a load for defensive backs to cover on third downs. If he can continue his upward trajectory, he could challenge Jalen Tolbert for snaps.

Other Players to Watch

The following is a list of other wide receivers who have an outside chance at a piece of the WR3 crown:

Tyron Billy-Johnson

Racey McMath

David Durden

Ryan Flournoy

Jalen Moreno-Cropper