Brandin Cooks praises Cowboys’ Jalen Tolbert: “He’s ready to go”

The Dallas Cowboys’ already fully loaded offensive lineup could have another weapon added in 2024 if fantasy managers are looking for an insider to keep an eye on.

When Brandin Cooks spoke to reporters at the Cowboys’ OTAs this week, he was pleased with what he’s seen from Jalen Tolbert in his third season.

“He’s ready,” Cooks said of his teammate. “Whatever the expectations are out there for him, I’m telling you, he’s going to rock it. He’s ready.”

There is a vacancy at No. 3 receiver in Dallas this season. Michael Gallup was released by the team in March after two disappointing seasons due to a torn ACL in 2021.

CeeDee Lamb will be Dak Prescott’s favorite target. He has been the team’s best player in targets and receptions over the past three seasons. Third-year tight end Jake Ferguson could get more work in 2023 after setting career highs in targets (102), receptions (71), yards (761) and receiving touchdowns (five).

There could be a lot of potential behind that duo, though. Cooks will be the starting receiver alongside Lamb, but his first season with the Cowboys has been inconsistent. Last year, he had just three games with more than 50 receiving yards.

Tolbert, a third-round draft pick in 2022, is expected to see more of the field now that Gallup is no longer on the roster. He played less than 50 percent of the offensive snaps in 15 of 17 games last year.

Betting on Tolbert to perform consistently in fantasy games is a big risk right now. Keep an eye on what he does in the preseason and how often head coach Mike McCarthy uses him. He could have a chance to become the consistent No. 2 pass receiver that Dallas has been lacking since Gallup’s knee injury.