When the Dallas Cowboys selected wide receiver CeeDee Lamb at No. 17 overall in the 2020 NFL draft, he was expected to make an immediate impact. Those expectations grew larger when Lamb was ranked the top receiver in Cowboys training camp by the staff writers of the team’s website.
Lamb went on to have an excellent rookie campaign as he became the first receiver in NFL history to catch at least five passes in his six games and shattered the Cowboys rookie record for receptions with 74. Also, he registered 935 yards and five scores.
ESPN recently did a survey on next season’s Super Bowl winner, interesting teams, and free agents that should be sought after in March. Also, they predicted which rookie would make a big jump in year two. According to fantasy writer Mike Clay, Lamb will improve his performance the most.
“Lamb looked the part as a rookie, posting a 74-935-5 receiving line while adding 82 yards and one touchdown with his legs and another score as a returner. Of course, he enjoyed most of his success with a healthy Dak Prescott during Weeks 1-2, ranking sixth in the NFL in receiving yards during the span, before plummeting to 43rd from that point forward. The 17th overall pick has a good chance to jump to the elite tier of wide receivers with Prescott likely back under center in 2021.”
Lamb said a few weeks ago “I cannot wait to have him back” in regards to Prescott and it’s not hard to understand why. The former Oklahoma Sooner was on pace for over 90 receptions and 1,300+ yards in the five games he played with Prescott. The fact that he narrowly missed the 1,000-yard mark playing with three other quarterbacks for the remainder of the season makes his rookie season that much more impressive.
The first-rounder was dominant in the slot in 2020 as he led the NFL in 20+ yard receptions with 12. Also, his 69 receptions and 877 yards from the inside were the most by a rookie receiver since 2006.
Lamb lived up to the lofty expectations that were placed on him entering the NFL. With Prescott back and a healthy offensive line, his sophomore campaign should be even better.