Michael Gallup’s Cowboy-Sized Fantasy Football Upside
When the Dallas Cowboys were eliminated from the 2018 NFL playoffs, there was one bright spot for fantasy football fans. Then rookie wide receiver Michael Gallup went six-for-nine and 110 yards, one of his best performances of the year. When the Cowboys were struggling to get a win in the NFC divisional round, Gallup stepped up to become the number one option for quarterback Dak Prescott. With the Cowboys bringing in veteran receiver Randall Cobb during the offseason and so much attention being put on Amari Cooper, Gallup has been sliding under the radar in most drafts. His current average draft position is the 69th wide receiver off the board at 187 overall.
Cooper to the Rescue
In his first NFL season, Gallup was able to become a slightly viable second option in this offense. Do not get me wrong, he was not fantasy relevant, with only 33 receptions and 507 yards, but the chemistry with Prescott had not fully developed yet. Like the entire Cowboys offense, Gallup was much better once Cooper was introduced. He went from 22 targets in the first seven games (3.1 per game) without Cooper, to 46 targets (5.1 per game) in the final nine games. Now that both receivers will have had an entire offseason together, Gallup has the potential to become a league-winning late round flyer.
Untapped Potential
Gallup was highly productive as the number one option at Colorado State. He accumulated 176 receptions for 2,690 yards and 21 touchdowns. It is evident that Gallup still has untapped potential. He finished in the bottom half of the league in catch rate, converting only 50-percent of his targets into receptions. Even with him and Dak having a hard time connecting, he still averaged 15.4 yards per reception. He is explosive, and we should see some positive regression in his catch rate.
Fantasy Impact
Gallup is basically free in most drafts, and if he can improve on his catch rate, he will see WR2 value. With Cobb being introduced into the mix, Gallup will be able to draw weaker coverage from most defenses. With a strong run game, a new coordinator, and so many players vying for new contracts, this offense should be firing on all cylinders. An increase in red zone attempts will have a positive impact on Gallup. He will surely see more than the two touchdowns he had as a rookie. He is only 23 years old, so his value is even higher in dynasty leagues. On top of that, this could very well be the last season Cooper is with Dallas. His departure would leave a significant number one wide receiver spot open for the 2020 season.
