10 NFL rookies who improved their stock in Week 1 of preseason

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SANTA CLARA, CA – AUGUST 09: Michael Gallup #13 of the Dallas Cowboys runs a pass rout against the San Francisco 49ers in the first quarter of their NFL preseason football game at Levi’s Stadium on August 9, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

5. Michael Gallup, WR, Dallas Cowboys

Admittedly, I was a big fan of Michael Gallup throughout the draft process. Terms like “route-running” and “polish” can be buzzwords to describe unathletic players who still produce in college, but Gallup is legitimately dangerous because of the nuance in his arsenal. That already paid off as he broke away from his defender at the last second for this touchdown.

Gallup has the makings of being Dak Prescott’s top receiver this year. Their offense doesn’t make it easy for receivers because it’s more dependent on isolated routes than more cutting-edge attacks. That’s where Gallup’s blend of size (6-foot-1), game speed, timing, and experience is going to pay off.

He’s going to do well on slants, curls, and comebacks. His ability to win on deeper, more aggressive routes will help determine the ceiling of the offense. If he can take the top off like he did in Week 1, then the Cowboys’ offense should look much more like 2016 than 2017.