Deep speed, but then what? Cowboys rookie WR has a lot to prove
· Yahoo Sports
As the Cowboys' rookie minicamp kicks off this weekend, I am wrapping up my coverage with their final, but certainly not least, selection of the 2026 NFL Draft. By selecting ECU wide receiver Anthony Smith in the seventh round (218th overall), Dallas has added a legitimate vertical threat to their receiving corps and a player with the versatility to contribute immediately on special teams.
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Smith’s arrival is particularly timely as he joins a unit that recently added veterans Tyler Johnson and Marquez Valdes-Scantling, all while the team secured star receiver George Pickens on a $27.3 million franchise tag for the upcoming season.
Pro Day Measurement
HT: 6-foot-2
WT: 197 pounds
Arm length:31 3/4"
40-yard dash: 4.40 seconds
10-yard split: 1.49 seconds
20-yard split: 2.58 seconds
Shuttle - 4.28 seconds
3-cone drill- 6.94 seconds
Vertical jump- 36" inches
Strengths
Smith is tall, lean, and athletic, primarily functioning as an outside receiver, with only 9% of his plays in the slot. When reviewing his film against NC State, one can observe instances where he excels at tracking the ball. Additionally, he demonstrates impressive body control, allowing him to contort his body to make catches in tight windows or on poorly thrown passes.
In the next game, there are multiple plays in which Smith uses his long, lanky frame to outpace defenders, gaining enough separation to catch the ball. Last year, he recorded an impressive 18 yards per reception. His body control and size make him a significant target, leveraging his 36" vertical leap, which is excellent for making sideline catches when control is needed in specific game situations. Furthermore, when he first joined the NC State Wolfpack as a freshman, he played on the scout team and was recognized as one of the fastest players, traits that could potentially benefit him in playing special teams for the Cowboys.
Weaknesses
During his time at ECU, Smith operated with a restricted route tree, primarily focusing on short hitches, screens, and deep routes. It’s unclear whether this was due to the offensive scheme or his own limitations. To succeed at the next level, he must diversify his route tree to effectively challenge NFL defensive backs.
While he has shown proficiency in creating separation from defenders, the proximity of defenders means he needs to refine his routes and improve his hip sink. This will be crucial for achieving better separation at the next level, as the tight coverage could result in pass deflections or interceptions.
Where does Anthony Smith fit on the Cowboys ?
The primary trio of wide receivers is set with CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, and Ryan Flournoy, leaving Smith an opportunity at the back end of the WR depth chart. Smith has the opportunity to demonstrate his outstanding ball tracking abilities, as well as his capacity to execute difficult deep plays, and he is willing to contribute on special teams for the Cowboys.
If he aims to secure a WR depth position on the Dallas Cowboys roster, he will be competing alongside return specialist Kavonte Turpin, fan favorite Traeshon Holden, and the recently acquired Valdes-Scantling and Johnson, among others. His performances must be exceptional for him to earn a chance on this roster.
Furthermore, he needs to concentrate on areas that require improvement. His potential positions him as a possible WR5 or WR6, and a special teams contributor.
This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Cowboys scouting report on seventh-round draft pick WR Anthony Smith