Is Jalen Tolbert Poised to Make an Impact as an NFL Rookie Wide Receiver?

Photo Credit: Scott Donaldson/South Alabama Athletics

Our thoughts on 2022 NFL rookie Wide Receiver, Jalen Tolbert.

Measurables:

• 6’1" 194 lbs.

• 4.49 40-yard dash

• 36” Vertical Jump

• 10’3” Broad Jump

"Tolbert could be a steal in the 3rd round of rookie drafts."

Strengths:

• Very smooth athlete

• Skilled at release moves and adjusting speed mid-route

• Sudden feet for clean breaks at route stem

• Good tracking and adjustment on off-target throws

• Strong 10" hands to win 50-50 balls & finish through contact

• Turns into a DB when necessary; he catches it or no one does

• Experience playing outside and in the slot

• His 178 receptions, 3,140 yards, 22 TDs, & 10-100 yard receiving games are all South Alabama school records

Weaknesses:

• Drops increased each of the last 3 seasons: 4, 5, & 7 respectively

• Doesn't have true breakaway speed post-catch

• Tips his break and/or path by drifting early in routes

• Not much, if any, separation on a lot of his catches

• Doesn't make many tacklers miss

• Hugs the sideline too much allowing DBs to push him out

• Underwhelming blocker and minimal special teams experience

Scouting Report

Jalen Tolbert was a three-year starter at South Alabama and played the X-receiver role for offensive coordinator Major Applewhite. He passed up several offers to Power 5 schools to stay close to home, and became South Alabama's best receiver in school history. Jalen needs to work on a few areas of his game, but he does have starting traits for the NFL with his ability to track and make contested catches. Tolbert could be a steal in the 3rd round of rookie drafts.