Cowboys Jalen Tolbert ‘Off to Nice Start!' - McCarthy

Dallas Cowboys receiver Jalen Tolbert has turned heads during training camp, and Mike McCarthy has been impressed with what he has seen.

Second-year Dallas Cowboys receiver Jalen Tolbert has been turning heads all off-season. After a disappointing rookie campaign, the former South Alabama star went to work on his craft over the offseason.

Well, the results have been noticeable. Tolbert has improved in every facet of his game. His route-running is smooth, he's running crisp routes, and most importantly, he's making plays.

And coach Mike McCarthy has taken notice.

“Jalen … the opportunity isn’t quite what it could have been [rookie season],” McCarthy said. “I don’t recall a day that he hasn’t gotten in as much work as he possibly can. I think he’s done a really good job of putting in extra time with the quarterbacks, so you can see that connection developing.”

After a rookie season that yielded just two catches for 12 yards, improvement was needed from Tolbert, and with the help of veteran Brandin Cooks and his other teammates, the second-year receiver has emerged as a different player this offseason.

From OTAs to minicamp and now padded practices at training camp, Tolbert is finally showing his talents in McCarthy's offense.

But what has specifically caught the eye the most?

“At the end of the day, a player that goes from Year 1 to Year 2, you’re looking for that guy to make the jump,” McCarthy said. “I think he’s running his routes with a lot more physicality, I’ve seen some improvement at the breaking point of routes, and at the end of the day, it comes down to confidence. I think he’s gotten off to a nice start.”

With Tolbert showing out thus far in training camp, he is putting his best foot forward in the WR4 battle with Simi Fehoko. While there is still a long way to go, Tolbert seems to have the lead in the race right now.

But Tolbert isn't the only Jalen making waves in Oxnard. 

Seventh-round pick Jalen Brooks has also been making the most of his opportunities in training camp. He has made several good catches in team drills, and his route-running has also been a feature. Due to his physical attributes at 6-1, 205, McCarthy sees him as a red-zone threat.

‘Very impressive, I’m excited,” McCarthy said. “When you look at him, he definitely has the structure and stature that you look for in the red zone.”

With so many storylines to watch on the offensive side of the ball, the two "Jalens" are the ones making the most of their chances...and that bodes well for McCarthy's "Texas Coast Offense" moving forward.

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