Could CeeDee Lamb Break Calvin Johnson's NFL Records?

Dallas Cowboys receiver CeeDee Lamb is doing the No. 88 proud and has seen his stock as one of the league's best, rise after a dominant 2023 season.

Lamb's numbers from his All-Pro year are well documented (135 receptions, 1,749 yards, 12 TDs), and he became Dak Prescott's most trusted weapon after some early-season struggles.

But for all of Lamb's stats last season, where does he sit among the rest of the NFL's receivers? Is he top 20? Top 10? CBS Sports has CeeDee as the third-best receiver in football behind only Tyreek Hill and Justin Jefferson.

"Lamb had a MONSTER year in 2023, catching 135 passes for 1,749 yards and 12 touchdowns," CBS Sports wrote. "His 135 receptions ranked first in the NFL, the 1,749 receiving yards ranked second and his 12 touchdown receptions ranked third. Only Justin Jefferson, Michael Thomas and Randy Moss have recorded more receiving yards in a player's first four seasons in NFL history. ...

CBS adds, "What's scary about Lamb is that his reception, receiving yards and receiving touchdown numbers have improved in all four of his NFL seasons. If that trend continues, he's going to break Calvin Johnson's single-season record."

"Scary,'' indeed.

Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

Johnson's 1,974 yards in 2012 remain the record and Lamb was just 225 short of matching that last season. Also, keep in mind that CeeDee didn't "take off" until after Week 5. Prior to that, he had receiving totals of 77, 143, 53, 36, and 49.

Now are we saying that Lamb is bound to break Johnson's record? No, but it could be within reach and the same could be said for Hill and Jefferson. But Tyreek has Jaylen Waddle to take away some of his targets and Jefferson will have Sam Darnold or J.J. McCarthy throwing him the ball, so his numbers could decline.

Lamb sits in a prime position to do as much damage as anybody here - which by the way is another argument he can take to the negotiating table as he holds out seeking his new contract extension.