The first week of training camp is long behind us but there are a few Dallas Cowboys wide receivers slowly making a name for themselves.
With CeeDee Lamb out of the rotation due to contract issues, other guys have stepped up to the plate to develop a relationship with Dak Prescott, providing additional targets for the quarterback.
Dallas Cowboys Wide Receivers in 2024
WRs Returning to the Roster
There are already a few receivers who have started to shed their skin and really shine in the spotlight of this training camp.
The first that pops out is Jalen Tolbert. This upcoming season will be Tolbert’s third with the team. Although not notable in his first season, his second created a little buzz. He showed himself to be a solid target for the mid-range game with a catch rate of 61% (22 of 36). His third year could be huge. With Lamb at home, Tolbert has been putting in the work to become an excellent wideout.
Another name that’s a bit more popular is KaVontae Turpin. Turpin is an exceptional punt and kick returner. Over the past season, he created big returns for the Cowboys, including a kick return for 63 yards. In the 2022 season, he also was able to run his way to a 52-yard punt return. However, over training camp, Turpin is getting more time to show off his receiving skills. In an interview, Stephen Jones mentioned that Turpin is great in the open field, filling a lack of depth the team has had.
Lastly is Jalen Brooks. Taken in the 7th round back in 2023, Brooks will be entering his second year on the team. In his first season, Brooks only played seven games for six receptions and 64 yards. However, in training camp, Brooks was able to create meaningful plays for the team, catching touchdown passes and beating some tricky coverage.
Non-Contract Dallas Cowboys WR
Training camp is a time for experimentation. Many teams are trying new route runners or having them practice with the team.
A player who is making headlines is Tyron Billy-Johnson. Billy-Johnson has been phenomenal, making his way into the first-team practices and beating defenders for the ball. He’s quick and showy, making every catch look that good. However, he isn’t officially signed to the Cowboys squad. After having such an unforgettable training camp with the first team, it should cause the Cowboys to reconsider that decision.
What’s working against Billy-Johnson could be his age and lack of consistency. Billy-Johnson is 28, much older than the rest of the wide receiver room. He also played for three other NFL teams so far. Depending on what Billy-Johnson will do during the preseason against the Los Angeles Rams on August 11 could determine whether he gets a treasured contract or not.
Similar can be said with Jalen Moreno-Cropper. Cropper has been rapidly becoming a team favorite, managing to catch two Dak Prescott throws in practice. This will be considered his first season in the league, if he’s able to secure a spot on this Cowboys roster. It’ll be tough for him, meaning these preseason games could be the moments that instill his spot in the locker room as well.
CeeDee Lamb Provided Opportunities
Although Lamb not being at practice is major for this Dallas Cowboys offense, they’ve managed to make the most of it. After Flournoy suffered a minor knee injury, it left the Cowboys without many practice subjects to get good reps in with.
Bringing in that outside talent from the Arena Football League and other free agents gives that push to every single player on the field. It steps up the game of vets like Brooks, Tolbert, and Turpin. It gives attention to potential talents like Billy-Johnson and Cropper.
If Lamb rejoins the squad, it’ll be interesting to see how he can integrate into this charged wide receiver room. Hopefully, he elevates the rate of play for them all and gives the Cowboys the ability to perform above current expectations.
Main Image: Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports
