2. Quarterback's best friend
Tolbert's play style provides a sense of security for quarterbacks, and in the case of his quarterback, Tolbert and Malik Willis have a pre-existing relationship. The two starred at the 2022 Senior Bowl together. Tolbert caught two passes in the game, while Willis ran for 54 yards, but the two became familiar with each other's game during the week of practices.
"It's a full circle moment," Tolbert said on the Drive Time podcast. "Just to be able to chase our dreams together coming into the league. Being on the same team we'd do walk-throughs together. We'd talk after meetings and just try to figure out some things or adjustments or ways that we could attack the defense that day at practice. Now, to have the opportunity to team up with him is exciting. I'm looking forward to it and getting back to the chemistry we started back when we were down there in Mobile."
Dolphins tight end Greg Dulcich and new offensive lineman Jamaree Salyer were also on that American team roster at the 2022 Senior Bowl.
3. No block, no rock
An adage that has existed since the advent of the downfield pass and has become a credo in modern NFL locker rooms. A wide receivers' job description is a lot more than running routes these days. Jalen Tolbert's film shows a player who loves the blocking element of the position. The Cowboys' use of the big-bodied wide receiver displays the same idea.
Tolbert frequently lined up in what is referred to as a "nasty" split – a pre-snap alignment that is in tight to the formation and often called upon to chip in pass protection before releasing into the route. Dallas also called jet sweeps and wide zone runs to Tolbert's side regularly.
Tolbert's career alignment splits had him in the slot on 35 percent of his career snaps, but a chunk of those were reduced inside. From there, he could help tight ends and tackles in the protection scheme before running a checkdown route.
For more analysis and insight on the Dolphins new acquisitions, download the Drive Time podcast with Travis Wingfield.