Cowboys stock watch: Jalen Brooks making his mark in battle for WR3
The Cowboys returned from their day of rest for another training camp practice, but this one was different: the pads have come on, which in turn means more intensity in the practices. Coaches also tend to glean more from padded practices, something Mike McCarthy vocalized before Tuesday’s practice:
First day of padded practice for the #Cowboys and HC Mike McCarthy talks about how 25% of their roster is new and how the momentum shifts in training camp once the pads are on
“This is where the tempo shifts. Where the self discipline and the emotional disciple shows.”
— Brittany Bowen (@__brittbrat_) July 30, 2024
One of the more hotly contested starting jobs for the Cowboys, and one that will only ratchet up further from here on out, is the third wide receiver spot behind CeeDee Lamb and Brandin Cooks. With Lamb holding out, that’s meant even more work for the two most likely contenders, Jalen Brooks and Jalen Tolbert. While both have looked good so far in camp, Brooks is seeing a surge in his stock.
A rookie a year ago, Brooks drew praise from McCarthy at various points throughout the year for his work ethic and dedication on special teams. Now, Brooks is firmly embroiled in the competition for a starting job. And if his performance on Tuesday is anything to go off of, Brooks may be ahead of his teammate now.
Brooks isn’t the only receiver who’s turned some heads so far – Tolbert and Tyron Billy-Johnson have made waves, in particular – but the second-year player is undeniably having a strong start to camp. When he was drafted a year ago, Brooks’ physicality was a selling point in describing his game. The higher intensity of padded practices has already allowed Brooks to flash that skill, whether it’s a diving catch or holding on through immediate contact at the catch point.
Brooks’ name has been a constant in media coverage of training camp thus far, with just about everyone taking note of his impressive moments. But he may have had his best day yet on Tuesday, with the potential to carry that over into preseason games, where his blocking skills will come more into focus as well.
The smart money is still on Tolbert winning this WR3 position, just based on his chemistry with Dak Prescott having had a longer period to develop, but Brooks has made it clear that he’s not going to make it easy on Tolbert. Watch out for this positional battle to heat up going forward, as Brooks seemingly gets better each day of training camp.
Absolutely. The confidence is there and the connection with Dak is there. Dak said it himself. That back shoulder throw on day one out here was not a throw he’d make to Tolbert a year ago.
Don’t sleep on the Jalen Brooks hype too. I think those guys will be 3A, 3B this year. https://t.co/pgf307OnkV
— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisDC) July 30, 2024