Hes not better than a prime Dez
Prime Dez was getting this respect from defenses
CD has to start beating double coverage and not allow DCs to take him out the game.
They're very different receivers, but yeah 2014 Dez is still better.
With the ball in the air, Dez had the air dominance of an Apache helicopter. One of the best jump ball receivers I've ever seen, behind maybe only Megatron. But he was a below average route runner that couldn't get separation consistently, so he'd disappear for stretches.
It's early, but CeeDee is definitely more of smooth criminal out there. He just looks so savvy off the line and in and out of his breaks. His ability to line up anywhere makes it harder for defenses to scheme him.
Up to this point in their careers, CeeDee has racked up more yards, but Dez scored more TDs. So it kind of depends on how much weight you put into those categories at the moment.
That said, Lamb's style of play is more conducive to a lengthier career, and I don't think it will be much of a comparison in 5-6 years.