CeeDee Lamb is no stranger to his new role in Dallas. That new role? The Cowboys’ number one receiver. For Lamb, it’s a role he starred in as a junior at Oklahoma where his efforts offensively, combined with former teammate turned NFC East division rival Jalen Hurts, helped lead Oklahoma to the College Football Playoff.
However, things are a bit different now and the expectations that come with being that guy won’t be easy to meet. The Cowboys look different in multiple areas after an offseason that quite a bit of turnover. One of their biggest departures was wide receiver Amari Cooper.
Cooper was the number one guy in Dallas from the moment the then Oakland Raiders traded him to the Cowboys for a first-round picks
Cooper came to Dallas in 2018 where he thrived for three straight seasons. He was Dak Prescott’s best receiver for years but ultimately, offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, head coach Mike McCarthy, and the Cowboys front office felt as if Cooper was no longer worth his contract and shipped him to the Cleveland Browns.
It created a major hole in the Cowboys’ offense rarely because Cooper’s production and his ability to run routes made things easier for the entire offense collectively.
CeeDee Lamb, a former first-round pick is a clearcut answer to ascend to the top of the Cowboys’ wide receiver throne for the foreseeable future. When speaking with media following their first organized team activity of the offseason Lamb had this to say when asked if he’d be ready:
”I’ve been ready,” he said. “That’s just me and my competitiveness. That’s in my nature. It’s kind of how we grew up playing football. I’m always ready for my name to be called.”
According to Lamb, he’s grown half an inch and added 10 pounds of muscle this offseason as well. Physically, he’s taking a step forward, and in regards to the chemistry with the man who will be throwing him the ball? Dak Prescott requested Lamb’s locker be directly next to his so the two can constantly communicate and form a rapport that will manifest into an elite QB/WR duo like the many that have formed across the league’s history.
“Just being young, knowing that hopefully, he’s my receiver until I’m done playing. Just being able to bring him closer, more conversations since he’s right there, accessible to talk, and just communicate.”, said Prescott.
Lamb’s first and only year as the Sooners’ alpha in the WR room saw him reel in 56 catches and 1,152 yards to go along with 13 receiving touchdowns and a rushing touchdown. That year he ranked third in the country and first in the Big 12 with 21.4 yards per reception (most ever by an OU player with at least 50 receptions in a season). He also ranked 10th in the country with 102.1 receiving yards per game despite ranking 71st with 4.8 catches per contest.
His production in college being the focal point for a passing attack is a small indicator that when the stakes are raised and Lamb has to show up every week as the guy, he can do it.
He’s already had an exceptional start to his professional career. Through two NFL seasons, Lamb has totaled 153 receptions, 2,037 yards and 11 TDs. That’s an average of 76.5 receptions, 1,018.5 yards and 5.5 TDs per year which is comparable to names like DK Metcalf, Stefon Diggs, and Keenan Allen.
Those numbers will only see a bigger boost this year as Lamb will be targeted early and often as teammate and fellow wide receiver Michael Gallup recovers from a torn ACL. The former Sooner standout will be relied upon heavily by Prescott. If his prior showing in similar circumstances is any indication, CeeDee Lamb is going to have a big year in 2022.
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