Early Projection of the Cowboys’ 2023 53 Man Roster: QB, RB, WR
Wide Receivers (6)
CeeDee Lamb
Another offensive star coming off of a breakout year in 2022, CeeDee Lamb cemented himself as a true WR1 heading into the 2023 season.
His stat line of 107/1359/9TD earned him 2nd team All-Pro honors and his second straight Pro Bowl selection.
He is clearly Dak Prescott’s number-one option headed into their 3rd full season together.
Brandin Cooks
The Dallas Cowboys fleeced the Houston Texans in the trade for Brandin Cooks.
Not only did they convince Houston to send over their top offensive weapon for a measly 5th-round pick, but they also got the Texans to foot half of his 2023 salary.
Cooks brings a speed element to the Cowboys’ wide receiver corps that was absent in 2022.
Dallas also hopes his presence takes some pressure off of Michael Gallup as he continues to work his way back from ACL surgery.
Speaking of…
Michael Gallup
MG13 did not suit up for Dallas until Week 4 of the 2022 season, and never quite hit his stride.
His best game statistically was a Week 12 tilt vs the New York Giants, where he mustered up 5 receptions for 63 yards.
Not exactly the type of production expected from a WR2. Perhaps another offseason of recovery can get Gallup back to form.
Jalen Tolbert
The claims of “NFL readiness” that were so often used for Jalen Tolbert post-draft in 2022 never quite rang true.
In an offense bereft of playmakers, the 88th overall pick out of South Alabama only suited up for 8 games, mustering a paltry 2 receptions for 12 yards.
The hope is he can take a step forward in 2023 with another offseason of tutelage from Cowboys’ WR Coach Robert Prince.
Simi Fehoko
Simi Fehoko was a training camp star in the 2022 off-season after several highlight reel catches.
None of that luster translated into the regular season, however, disappointing Cowboys fans with only 3 receptions for 24 yards in just 5 games played.
With the departure of veteran Noah Brown, I expect Fehoko to step up more into that role of a big-bodied wide receiver who is willing to block downfield.
KaVontae Turpin
Even though I mentioned above that I expect rookie RB Deuce Vaughn to steal away kick return duties from Turpin, he should still be the first option on punt returns.
Aside from his obvious punt return value, I also expect Head Coach Mike McCarthy to draw up ways to get Turpin involved in the offense.
His speed and open-field elusiveness are too dynamic to be reserved solely for special teams.
Just outside the bubble: Dontario Drummond
