Calvin Johnson backs CeeDee Lamb for lofty status

Dallas Cowboys receiver CeeDee Lamb might be in only his second season, but he already has the respect of NFL legend Calvin Johnson. In an appearance on NFL Network on Thursday, the former Lions receiver showered the second-year player out of Oklahoma with praise.

“I love watching that kid go up and make a play on the ball,” Johnson said. “The guy can move. The guy is elusive. He likes to go up and make a play. I like guys that go up and use their hands.”

Three games into his second NFL season, Lamb has already accumulated 18 catches for 251 yards and a touchdown. He and Amari Cooper have established themselves as the favorites for quarterback Dak Prescott. The two receivers have combined for 53 targets thus far.

Johnson, a Hall of Famer and six-time Pro Bowler, spent nine seasons in Detroit before retiring. He ranks 32nd in NFL history in career receiving yards. His 1,964 yard season in 2012 is still the league record. He was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2007 NFL draft.

The Cowboys selected Lamb 17th overall in 2019. He finished his rookie season with 935 yards, trailing only Minnesota’s Justin Jefferson among first-year players. His is widely regarded among experts as one of the top young talents in the NFL.

Now CeeDee Lamb also has the support of Calvin Johnson. How much can the former Sooner improve in the next few seasons? Is it possible he reaches the level of Johnson?

That kind of status is still a long way away, but so far Lamb has lived up to every bit of the hype he has received. The 2-1 Cowboys will continue their quest to get back into the playoffs Monday night against NFC East foe Philadelphia. Expect Lamb to be heavily involved in that game as well as each one moving forward for Dallas.