Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb enters Year 2 trying to improve on his freshman season

CeeDee Lamb’s rookie campaign was nothing short of sensational. Poster-board catches, crisply-carved routes, and dazzling runs after catches all highlighted what was a colossal scrapbook of big-time moments for the heralded young gun.

And while Dallas caught some immediate flak for opting towards a “best available” route instead of swaying in the direction of positional need, Lamb emphatically shut the door on outside criticism, and closed it with an unbreakable sealant that left no room for questioning once he arrived in the Big D.

His year-one numbers were more than impressive — 74 receptions (a Cowboys rookie record) to complement 935 yards and five TDs, on a 12.6 yards per catch average.

He appeared in all 16 contests for the Boys, starting in 14, while hauling in 46 receiving first downs, and adding two more scores outside of the passing game — one on the ground, and one on a kickoff return.

Lamb’s versatility is an attribute that Dallas had actively been searching for since Dez Bryant’s heydays, and his ability to cause havoc in multiple areas on the field is a quality they’re determined not to waste.

As of right now, Lamb’s as fresh as new born baby in terms of his NFL regency. He only has the one eyar on the professional level, but his name continues to climb up receiving charts as folks take heed of the potential. But what’s Lamb’s ceiling? Does he blast through previous labels of a pure slot option, and transform into that ever-coveted deep-ball presence that some teams could only dream of trotting out to the gridiron, or does he remain a check-down/middle of the field option who’ll oftentimes be sought after on secondary and tertiary reads?

Lamb’s got the potential to be a true number one, but the Cowboys receiving corp is absolutely clogged with talent. Amari Cooper is their undisputed top threat, while Michael Gallup’s chemistry with Dak Prescott on the deep ball is ongoing. Plus, Simi Fehoko is bound to see the field as the squad experiments with its exciting rookie. Lamb knows there is a ton of talent around him.

“Offensively at the skill position, I feel like we can compete with anybody,” Lamb said. “We’re one of the best in the NFL. At any moment anybody can touch the ball and go score. Last year definitely proved to us, at the skill position, we’re pretty talented and if we play together and keep everybody healthy, who knows what will happen. Last year definitely opened our eyes for sure.”

So what does year two hold in the cards for Lamb? Is a sophomore slump impending, or does he elevate upon his freshman excellence to make his second year his best?

Lamb certainly thinks his game will take a step up.

“I want to focus on me being better for the team and definitely want to be as impactful on the team as I possibly can,” said Lamb.

“Naturally, the team will get better. We started a whole new system if you will. We got a new defensive coordinator [Dan Quinn]. Offensively, we got everybody back. It’s a whole new role. I’m looking to be a better version of myself. To be better than last year and if everyone has that mind-set as a collective group we’ll be better.”

So will Lamb have abetter statistical season than last year?