Scouting profile on Cowboys' newest WR, can super tall be super good?

The Dallas Cowboys added to their wide receiver lineup this week with the addition of a physical player. Standing at 6-foot-6, Jaden Smith is a former Nevada Wolf Pack receiver and native of Kennedale, Texas. He began his college journey at Montana State, then moved to Tarleton State, and concluded his career with the Wolf Pack, where he recorded 62 receptions for 849 yards and seven touchdowns in 2024.

Smith was signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent in 2025, but spent his rookie year on injured reserve. After being released in April, Smith is now seeking a fresh start back home in Dallas.

Height: 6-foot-5 

Weight: 209 pounds

 Arm Length: 34″ 

Hand Size: 10″

40-yard dash: 4.57 seconds 

Bench: 15 reps

 Vertical Jump: 36.5″

 20-yard split: 2.63 seconds 

10-yard split: 1.65 seconds 

Shuttle: 4.33 seconds

 3-Cone: 7.05 seconds

 Broad Jump: 10’04”

Games Watched: Fresno St (2024)

Standing tall, Smith boasts an extraordinary and unteachable height that is uncommon among modern wide receivers. He effectively leverages his size, serving as a high-point specialist who can challenge smaller defensive backs, particularly evident in his matchups against the Fresno State Bulldogs.

He tracks deep passes with remarkable precision over his shoulder and showcases exceptional late-hand focus. Fearless in the midst of contact, he confidently catches the ball in traffic, making him a reliable asset on intermediate contested routes. With his stature, he naturally possesses the leverage and physique to develop into a top-tier perimeter blocker in the run game, which is crucial for run-heavy offenses like the Cowboys.

Similar to many taller receivers, the long-striding player does not possess the top-tier speed or quickness needed to achieve significant separation. Instead, he relies on his size for body positioning and his length to extend and catch the ball, rather than relying on speed and agility.

Additionally, despite his larger stature, he often finds it challenging to contend with physical corners during press coverage; he needs to improve his hand techniques to prevent being hindered at the line.

Smith is the ideal, prototypical “X” receiver, possessing the physical attributes necessary to be a formidable red-zone threat and a capable run-blocker. However, with 12 receivers currently on the roster, the team is likely to retain only five to six on the 53-man roster.

Beyond his size, Smith must assert himself as a run blocker, a contested catch specialist, and a potential red-zone target. Due to his lack of elite speed or agility, he doesn’t contribute significantly to special teams, except possibly in the field goal blocking unit because of his length. His greatest chance to earn a place on the team might come via the practice squad, allowing him to further hone his abilities, and soon an opportunity could present itself for him.

This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Scouting report on Cowboys newest WR Jaden Smith