The Dallas Cowboys' roster is in much better shape following the NFL Draft. While there are still questions about how the George Pickens saga will play out, it's never too early to preview Cowboys training camp.
With their final selection in the draft, the Cowboys picked wide receiver Anthony Smith from East Carolina, a true deep threat and a veteran of college football who tallied 64 catches for 1,053 yards and seven scores in his final season for the Pirates.
Like any seventh-round pick, Smith faces long odds to make the 53-man roster, but Dallas' WR room isn't flush with depth. Smith may end up battling with fan favorite Traeshon Holden for the last spot on the depth chart.
Anthony Smith vs. Traeshon Holden is a position battle to watch in Dallas Cowboys training camp
Holden fell victim to a numbers game last year and was cut after the preseason. While he was one of the five best receivers on the roster, the last spots are typically given to players who can contribute on special teams. Holden did not have that versatility, which is why he lost out.
Holden was eventually re-signed to the practice squad, and he now has a better opportunity to make the 53-man roster. But Smith presents a legitimate challenge.
Smith brings the size and athleticism combo that Dak Prescott loves. He can stretch a defense and moves a lot like reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year Tetairoa McMillan, whom Dallas wanted to draft last year.
By drafting Smith and signing vet Marquez Valdes-Scantling to a one-year deal this week, the Cowboys clearly want competition at the bottom of the receiver room.
As much as Cowboys fans disapprove of KaVontae Turpin's role in the offense, his spot his safe. That means there's one spot open behind CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, Ryan Flournoy, and Turpin. And up to five players may be fighting for it: Holden, Smith, Valdes-Scantling, Jonathan Mingo, and Parris Campbell.
Ultimately, this battle may come down to special teams. Flournoy earned a call-up from the practice squad last year because of that versatility. He climbed the depth chart as a pass-catcher, eventually supplanting Jalen Tolbert as WR3. But he logged 133 special teams snaps for the season, per PFF.
It's shaping up to be a five-person battle, but Cowboys fans will be rooting for Holden and Smith to separate themselves from the pack. With Lamb, Pickens, and Flournoy expected to dominate the target share, Holden and Smith will need to make their mark beyond just catching passes.
Holden vs. Smith could be one of the most compelling battles that unfold in Oxnard.
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