Is CeeDee Lamb the next star 88 in Dallas?

Today, it was announced that CeeDee Lamb, the Cowboys first round selection, will be wearing the prestigious number 88. Now, the last time Dallas drafted a wide receiver in the first round he wore 88 as well, Dez Bryant. All Dez did was leave the Cowboys as their all-time leader in TD catches, 3rd in receptions and 5th in receiving yards. And of course we know how prior 88’s like Drew Pearson and Michael Irvin got down. This is a very big honor and basically dubs Mr. Lamb as the next man up.

How does CeeDee fit into the Dallas offense. With the departure of Randall Cobb, the slot becomes wide open and that is where CeeDee Lamb thrives. Almost half of Lamb’s catches last year for Oklahoma came while he was lined up at the slot position. With Mike McCarthy now at the helm of the Cowboys and offensive mind that been drejuvenated with a year out of the league, I think Lamb will shine early in his career just as Dez Bryant did. Also, with a strong running game and a receiver like Amari Cooper whose already established and often requires safety help, Lamb’s ability to release off the ball and make moves in space will only add to what he brings to the Cowboys this upcoming season.

The biggest reason to believe that CeeDee Lamb is going to be a star with Dallas is because of what the Cowboys already have. Dallas is not going to ask him to be the number one wide receiver out of the gate. He’s not going to be the third option on the field. In order, it will be pound the ball with Elliot, find Amari Cooper, find Michael Gallup, and then find CeeDee Lamb. Offensively, the Cowboys are set up to have an even better season next year than they did this year because of the added piece that Lamb brings to the table. While scouts have said that Lamb doesn’t show great acceleration or quickness, his ability to release off the line as a slot receiver plus his straight line speed is something serious. At Oklahoma he averaged 19 yards per reception, basically an automatic 20 yards anytime he gets his hands on the football. In the red zone he becomes a threat as well at his size. Am I projecting Dez Bryant, Michael Irvin, and Drew Pearson? No, not at this stage only because I’m not in the business of saying I told you so (anymore). What I do know for a fact though is expect Lamb to be in the conversation for Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Until tomorrow family,

James Hadnot