Cowboys WR Michael Gallup more than a ‘deep-ball threat’

Cowboys wide receiver Michael Gallup is ready to prove that his game more well-rounded than critics believe. The fourth-year playmaker is a part of one of the most versatile wide receiver cores in the league. Alongside Amari Cooper and CeeDee Lamb, Gallup is looking to help lead the Cowboys to a big season.

Adding to his skillset

Gallup has spent more time this offseason working in the slot as he looks to increase his playtime beside the two stars.

“That’s a whole different route tree than playing outside,” Gallup told the Dallas Morning News’ Michael Gehlken. “Everybody labels me as just a ‘deep-ball threat,’ but I know I can do a whole lot more.”

The focus throughout training camp has been placed on route-running and conceptual details as he opens a new page of the playbook.

Gallup started eight games as a rookie, catching 33 passes for 507 yards and two touchdowns. He broke out in year two with 66 receptions for 1,107 yards and six touchdowns. In 2020, Gallup had another strong campaign with 59 catches for 843 yards and five touchdowns despite the loss of quarterback Dak Prescott.

In his career, Gallup averages 15.6 yards per reception and 8.6 yards per target. The average depth of his targets was 14.1 yards as a rookie, 12.2 yards in 2019. His average depth reached a career-low 11.8 yards last season.

A strong group

The return of Prescott promises to boost the overall offensive numbers, including those of the three top wide receivers.

Star wide receiver Amari Cooper was a Pro Bowler in both of his first two seasons as a Cowboy in 2018 and 2019. His numbers took a slight dip last season after Prescott’s injury, but he returns as one of the top targets for Dallas.

Cooper has reached the 1,000-yard mark in each of his first three seasons with the Cowboys and has 19 touchdowns with the team.

Second-year wide receiver CeeDee Lamb was the No. 17 overall pick by the Cowboys in 2020 and quickly burst onto the scene. In 14 starts, he tallied 74 receptions for 935 yards and five touchdowns. Lamb also presents a threat in the run game with 10 carries for 82 yards and a touchdown last season.

The Cowboys wide receiver core now features three players who can line up in the slot or outside. The versatility has Gallup and others excited.

Honestly, that’s pretty wild to me. They’re not going to be able to follow you everywhere. They’re going to have to change defenses up,” said Gallup.

Image courtesy of Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images