One of the most anticipated storylines is the projected competition for the WR3 spot. As the Dallas Cowboys prepare for a transformative 2025 campaign under new head coach Brian Schottenheimer.
Jonathan Mingo and Jalen Tolbert will have a showdown for the right to lineup as WR3.
With CeeDee Lamb entrenched as the WR1 and George Pickens now the team’s WR2, the third wide receiver role could be a launching pad for one of these young playmakers.
Though training camp has yet to begin, early projections and 2024 data provide an intriguing statistical contrast between the two contenders.
Jalen Tolbert: Steady Growth and System Familiarity
Tolbert is entering his fourth year with the Cowboys after being drafted in 2022. Although he struggled early, he showcased noticeable improvement in 2024, and his career stat line is that of a WR3:
- Games Played: 42
- Receptions: 73
- Receiving Yards: 890
- Touchdowns: 9
- Yards per Reception: 12.2
- Catch Rate: 65.8% (73 receptions on 111 targets)
- Yards After Catch per Reception: 3.6
- PFF Receiving Grade (2024): 62.8
Tolbert’s biggest strength lies in his chemistry with Dak Prescott and growing command of NFL route trees.
He improved significantly against man coverage and showed versatility as a boundary and slot option.
Strengths:
- Experience in the Cowboys system
- Strong timing with Prescott
- Smart situational awareness
Weaknesses:
- Limited explosiveness after the catch
- Not a physical mismatch against press coverage
- Ceiling may be capped as a possession-type WR
Jonathan Mingo: High-Upside Newcomer with Physical Tools
Mingo, acquired via trade from the Panthers this offseason, brings elite athleticism and untapped potential.
Though his rookie year and sophomore season weren’t spectacular, his tools are impossible to ignore.
- Games Played: 32
- Receptions: 60
- Receiving Yards: 585
- Touchdowns: 0
- Yards per Reception: 9.7
- Catch Rate: 46.2% (60 receptions on 130 targets)
- Yards After Catch per Reception: 5.3
- PFF Receiving Grade (2024): Not available due to insufficient snaps
At 6’2”, 220 pounds, Mingo is a physical specimen who thrives on contested catches and quick slants.
His ability to play both inside and outside makes him a potential weapon in Klayton Adams’ offensive scheme, which emphasizes mismatches and YAC.
Strengths:
- Elite size-speed combo
- Strong YAC potential
- Physical in traffic and at the catch point
- Scheme-versatile
Weaknesses:
- Below-average catch rate
- Route running is still raw
- Needs time to build rapport with Prescott
Early Projections and Outlook
While Tolbert offers system continuity and technical growth, Mingo represents an explosive, high-ceiling alternative.
The Cowboys may lean on Tolbert early in the season, but if Mingo flashes in the preseason and accelerates his learning curve, he could claim the WR3 job by midseason.
This Cowboys WR3 competition isn’t just about depth—it’s about unlocking another layer of offensive firepower.
Whether it’s Tolbert’s reliability or Mingo’s raw upside, Dallas has a great problem on its hands.
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