While it wasn't a jaw-dropper like linebacker Justin Barron's three interceptions, rookie wide receiver Anthony Smith had his own good Tuesday in the Dallas Cowboys' joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams.
We haven't heard much about Dallas' seventh-round pick so far since the draft, but Smith delivered one of the top plays from the practice.
Working with the second-team offense, Smith was on a crossing route. Joe Milton underthrew the ball, forcing Smith to reach behind himself for the catch.
Not only did Smith secure the ball with a one-handed grab, but he maintained balance, turned the corner, and then raced up the sideline for a big gain. It was, by far, the most attention-grabbing moment for Smith since joining the Cowboys last April.
Cowboys WR Anthony Smith's big play vs. Rams validates draft scouting report
Anyone who watched Smith over the last two years at ECU knew about his potential. With ample size and exceptional speed, Smith showed he could make big plays. In 2025, he had his best single-season numbers with 1,053 receiving yards and seven touchdowns on 64 catches, emerging as the clear WR1 for the Pirates.
Still, playing in the American Conference limited Smith's draft stock, as did concerns about his route precision and hands. Those first two could get a lot of help this summer, and Tuesday's catch is a great sign of improvement in at least one area.
One big play is certainly not going to secure a roster spot, or even the practice squad, for Smith. As only a seventh-rounder, he's hardly guaranteed anything.
Anthony Smith needs to keep stacking days to make the 53-man roster
And with the WR depth chart already four deep with CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, Ryan Flournoy, and KaVontae Turpin, Smith is just one of several candidates for the fifth spot, which may be the only one left once the 53-man roster is formed.
It will be hard enough for Smith or any other inexperienced prospects to knock off veterans like Jonathan Mingo, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and Tyler Johnson, especially given Turpin's limitations on offense.
But even among the young guys is plenty of competition. Undrafted rookie Camden Brown has been making noise over the last two weeks, and Traeshon Holden was a darling from last year's camp. And there's still time for Jordan Hudson or Jaden Smith to move up the board, particularly with the entire preseason still to come.
If nothing else, Tuesday's highlight prompted a good opportunity to check in with this member of the 2026 draft class.
Like the other rookies and young prospects, Anthony Smith has to keep making plays and earning the trust of his coaches and the front office. Being a drafted player may give him a slight edge as a tiebreaker, but it won't matter much if others are clearly better.
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