There have been many changes to the Dallas Cowboys roster since the end of the 2017 season. The two positions with the biggest turn over are wide receiver and tight end. Dez Bryant and Jason Witten are the two biggest departures, but they aren’t the only ones. Guys like Brice Butler, Ryan Switzer, and James Hanna have also said goodbye to America’s team. When you total up all the numbers Dallas loses 272 targets, 169 receptions, 1,915 yards, and 15 touchdowns. So how will the Dallas Cowboys make up for this massive amount production lost?
The first opportunities could go to guys like Cole Beasley and Terrance Williams, who have been with Dallas and know the system. Dallas also brought in free agents Allen Hurns and Deonte Thompson. While all of those players will likely have an increased role in the Cowboys offense, I believe the biggest impact will come from rookie Michael Gallup.
The Dallas Cowboys selected the Colorado State wideout with their third-round pick. So why do I believe a third-round pick can emerge as Dak Prescott’s number one target as a rookie? There are actually two reasons. The first reason is Michael Gallup is an extraordinary route runner. He creates space more by his precise route running than he does by his speed.
New Dallas Cowboys WR Michael Gallup won all over the route tree last year #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/5Ummo4t1NM
— PFF College (@PFF_College) April 28, 2018
The second reason I believe in Gallup is his college production. In his junior and senior years at Colorado State Gallup played 26 games. In those 26 games, he had 176 catches for 2,690 yards and 21 touchdowns. Some people will say that he didn’t have to play the top competition. While that may be true, those numbers are impressive no matter who you are playing.
When I watch Michael Gallup play he reminds me of another NFL wide receiver named Michael, Michael Thomas of the New Orleans Saints. Thomas is one of only two receivers in NFL history with 90 or more catches in each of his first two seasons. I’m not going to say Gallup catches 90 passes as a rookie but I do believe he makes a Michael Thomas like impact. Many Cowboys fans are concerned that the Dallas passing offense will struggle in 2018, but I think Michale Gallup will put those concerns to rest once they see him on the field. Rookie wide receivers usually struggle, but Michael Gallup isn’t your ordinary rookie and by the end of the year be will be viewed as an extraordinary player.
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