Who is Anthony Smith? 5 things to know about the Cowboys' rookie wide receiver

The Cowboys made it clear defense would be the focus of the 2026 NFL draft, but they did select a skill player with their final pick on Day 3.

Anthony Smith, a wide receiver from East Carolina, had an impressive final season of college football in 2025 before entering the draft. He totaled 65 catches for 1,053 yards and seven touchdowns for the Pirates, showcasing his big play ability with 20 receptions that went for 15 or more yards.

Here are five things to know about the Cowboys' rookie wide receiver:

1. The basics

Name: Anthony Smith

Position: Wide Receiver

Height: 6-2 Weight: 185 pounds

College: East Carolina

Hometown: Huntington, Maryland

2. He's got speed

The Cowboys didn't want to risk Smith getting to undrafted free agency for a reason: he can turn on the jets when he needs to. The Maryland native averaged 4.43 in the 40-yard dash at his pro day, and he averaged 17.1 yards per reception across two seasons with the Pirates. Smith's wheels make him a viable option anywhere on the field, whether it's at wide receiver or on special teams.

3. He joins two more ECU Pirates on the Cowboys

The Cowboys now have three out of five active players in the NFL from East Carolina. Last season, Dallas selected cornerback Shavon Revel Jr. in the third round of the NFL draft, and in 2024, they signed safety Julius Wood as an undrafted free agent. Smith was teammates with Revel Jr. in his last season at ECU.

4. He played six years of college football

Smith is well traveled and well seasoned as a prospect after six seasons of college football. He began his career at North Carolina State in 2020 and played with the Wolfpack until 2024, at both receiver and on special teams. His career took off after transferring to East Carolina, where he logged 2,095 receiving yards and 17 total touchdowns in two seasons.

5. He's not the only football player in his family

In his final year at East Carolina, Smith got to play on the same team as his younger brother, Evan Powell, a defensive lineman who redshirted in 2025. The two attended the same high school in Huntington, Maryland.