The 2022 Fantasy football season is truly underway as drafts fire off across the nation, meaning now is the time to dive into Dallas Cowboys WR Jalen Tolbert’s ADP in fantasy football drafts to determine whether or not fantasy managers are receiving a value on draft day. With a wide-open opportunity to be the No. 2 option for some time, can Tolbert become a mainstay in not only the Cowboys starting lineup but also starting roster for fantasy managers?
Jalen Tolbert ADP | Is he worth his current price in fantasy drafts?
With an ADP of 190 as the WR66, Tolbert is one of my favorite values currently in fantasy football drafts. For comparison to those on his own roster, Tolbert is going roughly 170 picks after CeeDee Lamb (WR8), which is no surprise. However, he is also behind Michael Gallup, who is currently the WR53 (141 ADP). This is intriguing as Gallup appears very unlikely to be ready by Week 1, with quotes calling his Week 1 availability “not a realistic possibility” as he returns from a torn ACL suffered late last season.
In contrast to the current ADP, PFN’s 2022 fantasy football redraft rankings have Tolbert ahead as the WR47 (118 ADP) compared to Gallup as the WR56 (139 ADP). I have the gap slightly larger in my own rankings, which go into the composite, with Tolbert at WR51 and Gallup at WR63.
Although I’ve got Falcons WR Drake London locked in as the WR1 for this year‘s rookie class, don’t be surprised if Tolbert is the second-best receiver, even over guys like Treylon Burks, Skyy Moore, or Garrett Wilson. Coupled with the recent injury of James Washington, Tolbert is one of my favorite values, as reflected in his ranking. I do expect to see his ADP climb closer to the top 50 of his position once fantasy managers gain more clarity on the timetable of Gallup and Washington. Until that time comes, Tolbert is an auto-pick for me when given a chance.
Jalen Tolbert’s projected fantasy value in 2022
Tolbert is an explosive play waiting to happen for the Cowboys. While at South Alabama, Tolbert was one of the most efficient players in the nation. After a 1,000-yard and eight-touchdown season as a junior, Tolbert exploded in 2021. Recording 82 receptions, Tolbert posted 1,474 yards with eight more scores. Not only did he account for 3.62 yards per team passing attempt, but Tolbert also had 29.4% of the receptions in 2020 and a flat 30% in 2021.
His rise continued in Indy while at the NFL Combine with 10″ hands, a 76 3/8″ wingspan, a 4.49 40-yard dash, and a 36″ vertical jump. If not for the size of the school, Tolbert never would have been available at pick No. 88. Since 2019, no FBS player had more receptions of 15+ yards than Tolbert (77). And over the last two years, he was seventh and sixth in receiving yards amongst all FBS receivers. Now you’re telling me he can be the No. 2 target for Dak Prescott? Sign me up.
Throughout training camp, Tolbert has been running with the No. 1 offense, which shouldn’t be a massive surprise given the depth chart. Gallup has yet to return and appears nowhere close, and the suspected Jones fracture to Washington means it could be the “Lamb & Tolbert Show” for a solid chunk of the season.
Lamb should see over a 25% target share as he takes full control of the WR1 duties after splitting them with Amari Cooper for the last two years. However, in games where Gallup and Washington are out, Tolbert could hover around the 20% range, leading to 90+ targets in one of the NFL’s top passing attacks due to Prescott’s proficiency on the deep ball.
Tolbert’s value will be dependent on how long it is until he feels real competition from Gallup. Dallas will likely be cautious when getting Gallup up to speed, given their substantial commitment over the offseason with a five-year, $57.5 million contract. Once up to speed, Gallup presumably will take over the No. 2 role from Tolbert.
At that point, Tolbert likely transitions to more of a vertical field stretcher, where he thrived at South Alabama. When that day comes, fantasy managers will need to gamble on Tolbert hanging onto his role or possibly trade him before his value plummets. With that said, I am not betting against Tolbert as he has a skill set Dallas desperately needs.