There aren’t many things more exciting than the unknown. Unknowns offer infinite possibilities and to the many eternal optimists who populate the Dallas Cowboys fanbase, unknowns are the answers to all of Dallas’ problems.
Each year some late-round rookie sparks the summertime imagination. Fans give the long odds little credence, diving headfirst into the best possible outcome. In 2023 it was Asim Richards. In 2024 it was Ryan Flournoy. In 2025 it was Jaydon Blue. In 2026 it’s still a little unsettled. One might say Devin Moore has the hype right now, but Moore’s questions are more about health than ability so he’s not quite a true unknown. But there’s an unknown who’s really an unknown and that’s seventh-round pick Anthony Smith.
Smith, a player many have already forgotten, was the Cowboys’ last pick in the 2026 draft. The East Carolina receiver joins a crowded position room in Dallas in 2026. With a star-powered trio of CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens and Ryan Flournoy (breakout pending), an unknown like Smith doesn’t solve a looming issue on the Cowboys’ roster because he plays a position of strength. But there’s reason to believe in all of his infinite possibilities nonetheless and those possibilities could pay dividends in the near future.
Smith, 6-foot-2, 197 pounds, comes to the Cowboys as outside receiver with field-stretching ability. His speed and run-after-the-catch prowess make him an ideal prospect to develop in the background. Few late-round picks are as naturally talented as him, and if he dedicates himself to the craft, he could be a contributor in no time.
Speaking of time, time is something the Cowboys have plenty of because, as stated earlier, the receiver position is a strength in Dallas. In fact, it might be the best in the NFL in 2026. 2027 is a completely different story since Pickens is playing on the franchise tag tender. It’s entirely possible the Cowboys have a vacancy in the top three next season and that might be just the time when Smith is ready to make the leap.
Keep in mind, even hype, optimism, and infinite possibility take time. Flournoy didn’t hit in Year 1; it took until Year 2 for him to break onto the scene. Blue didn’t do anything in Year 1, but the stage is set for something to pop in Year 2. The same timeline could be facing Smith as he eyeballs a packed position room in 2026. If he can show just enough to hang around this year, his breakout could arrive just in time.
The offseason is a great time to get excited about unknown rookies with infinite possibilities. But just because there’s a logjam on the depth chart ahead of Smith, doesn’t mean that hype has to lose its luster.
You can follow Reid on X @ReidDHanson and be sure to follow Cowboys Wire on Facebook to join in on the conversation with fellow fans!
This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Unknown Cowboys rookie is ‘must watch’ for training camp
Reporting by Reid D Hanson, Cowboys Wire / Cowboys Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Reid D Hanson, Cowboys Wire | USA TODAY Network
