The sequence: The Cowboys were happy to see Tolbert still on the board at number 88. He was considered with her pick for the second round, which instead went to Ole Miss pass rusher Sam Williams. A two-time All-Sun Belt selection, Tolbert had 22 touchdowns in four years and became South Alabama’s all-time leading receiver by the end of his senior season.
How it fits in: Immediately a potential big play receiver. Tolbert averaged 17.8 yards per catch in his last three seasons in college and posted a 4.4 speed at the NFL combine. The Cowboys have an apparent need for receiver depth after selling Amari Cooper to the Browns and losing key reserve Cedrick Wilson to the Dolphins a month ago. They re-signed Noah Brown and signed four-year veteran James Washington. But starter Michael Gallup could miss the start of the season after undergoing successful cruciate ligament surgery in February. That’s a lot of production to replace on top of Gallup’s uncertain schedule, though the Cowboys sound optimistic he won’t miss much time in the regular season. Tolbert was immediately expected to compete for snaps in the Cowboys’ three-receiver pack and showed in college that he can play the slot or outside.
Report by Kyle Youmans: Tolbert took his overlooked profile out of high school, blossomed into a legitimate collegiate-level big-play receiver, and solidified his surging draft inventory during the Senior Bowl. One of the most complete but still underrated candidates in the draft who will turn heads throughout his NFL career. He has the skills and competitive nature to earn playing time and become a top target in the league in the coming seasons.
Next Cowboys pick: 4th round (129th overall)