ECU WR Anthony Smith selected 218th overall by Dallas Cowboys at 2026 NFL Draft
ECU’s star receiver takes his explosive downfield talents to Dallas.
ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND - DECEMBER 27: Anthony Smith #9 of the East Carolina Pirates scores a touchdown after making a catch in the third quarter against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the 2025 Go Bowling Military Bowl at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium on December 27, 2025 in Annapolis, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) | Getty Images One Pirate is ready to sail a long way from the coast. East Carolina wide receiver Anthony Smith found a new home in Arlington, TX as the 218th overall selection by the Dallas Cowboys in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Smith was the second pick of the seventh round on Saturday, becoming the second player drafted out of the American Conference. Smith is the first Pirate drafted since former teammate and cornerback Shavon Revel Jr. was selected by the Cowboys in the 2025 draft.
Three of ECU’s last six NFL draft picks (also including former wide receiver Dwayne Harris) launched their careers in Dallas. Smith established himself as one of the conference’s premier deep threat receivers. He averaged 17.
8 yards per reception across a 6-year college career, and 13 of his 16 touchdown receptions stemmed from at least 30 yards out. The receiver spent four years at NC State as a reserve receiver, but his escalation into a star commenced when he transferred to in-state rival East Carolina for the 2024 season. In 2024, Smith accrued team-highs of 41 receptions and 799 receiving yards, contributing six touchdowns for an 8-5 Pirates team.