Dallas Cowboys Look to Emmitt Smith Jr. to Bolster Running Game Ahead of 2026 NFL Draft

Frisco, Texas – April 2026 – The Dallas Cowboys are turning to a familiar name from their storied past as they explore options to strengthen their running game ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.

As part of the team’s invite-only Dallas Day event at their headquarters, “The Star,” Cowboys executives and coaches met with Emmitt Smith Jr., the Texas A&M running back and son of Hall of Fame legend Emmitt Smith Sr.

Emmitt Smith Sr., of course, remains one of the most iconic figures in NFL history. Drafted 17th overall in the 1990 NFL Draft, he spent 13 seasons with Dallas before finishing his career with the Arizona Cardinals. Over 15 seasons, Smith Sr. became the NFL’s all-time rushing leader, amassing 18,355 yards, a record that still stands today.

His legendary status in Dallas makes any association with the Cowboys instantly newsworthy, and his son’s prospect in the 2026 draft naturally drew attention.

Cowboys Hosting Local Talent Ahead of Draft

Dallas is known for scouting local talent aggressively, and Brian Schottenheimer, the Cowboys’ offensive coordinator, explained how the team leverages its Dallas-area location to evaluate prospects.

“We’re like top 45, top 48, whatever it is,” Schottenheimer said. “It’s because of the fact that we’ve got that location, and our scouting staff does a great job.”

During Dallas Day, the Cowboys specifically invited players with local ties, giving them an opportunity to run drills, showcase their skills, and interact with team coaches. For E.J. Smith, a Dallas native, this event represented a chance to continue his father’s legacy in a city synonymous with NFL greatness.

“Very cool,” Schottenheimer said of meeting E.J. Smith and watching him run, according to ESPN’s Todd Archer. “You know me, man, I’m family. I’m all family. Just watching him move, seeing him in person, the type of young man he is, it’s cool.”

E.J. Smith’s College Career

E.J. Smith followed a unique collegiate path. Standing 5-foot-11 and 215 pounds, he spent four seasons at Stanford before transferring to Texas A&M for his final two years. Unlike his Hall of Fame father, Smith’s college career was modest by comparison. He rushed for 208 yards and four touchdowns in 2025, primarily serving as a goal-line back under coach Mike Elko. Over five collegiate seasons, he totaled 969 rushing yards and nine touchdowns on 207 carries.

While his production is limited compared to the legendary output of Emmitt Sr., E.J. Smith has shown flashes of potential, particularly in short-yardage situations. Schottenheimer noted:

“You watch his film, and he was an incredible short-yardage runner, powerful.”

Despite this, Smith’s overall statistics have kept his draft stock relatively low. Analysts project him as either a late third-day selection or potentially an undrafted free agent.

Physical Tools and Pro Day Performance

Smith’s pro day at Texas A&M offered teams measurable insights into his athleticism. He recorded a 4.59-second 40-yard dash, bench-pressed 225 pounds for 20 reps, and broad jumped 10 feet. While these numbers demonstrate solid strength and speed, they are not eye-popping by NFL standards, especially when compared to other draft-eligible running backs in 2026.

The Cowboys’ interest in Smith is partly influenced by his local ties and potential to contribute in specialized roles, rather than expecting him to become an immediate feature back. Dallas has nine picks over the three-day draft, which will take place in Pittsburgh from April 23-25, and they are weighing their options carefully.

Long Shot for a Roster Spot

Although the workout with the Cowboys was described as “very cool” by Schottenheimer, the reality is that E.J. Smith faces an uphill battle to make a regular-season roster. His limited college production and modest combine metrics mean that he may not be selected until the final rounds of the draft—or he may enter the league as an undrafted free agent.

Even if Smith impresses during training camp, the likelihood of him becoming a featured player in the Cowboys’ backfield is low. Nonetheless, the experience of being evaluated by the franchise where his father became a legend offers invaluable exposure and the chance to make an NFL roster in any capacity.

Cowboys’ Strategy and Local Talent Focus

Dallas’ interest in E.J. Smith also underscores the team’s broader strategy of developing regional talent. By hosting local prospects at The Star, the Cowboys not only strengthen relationships with nearby athletes but also get firsthand insights into their character, work ethic, and fit within the organization. Schottenheimer emphasized the value of these workouts:

“Just watching him move, seeing him in person, the type of young man he is, it’s cool.”

It’s clear that the Cowboys value intangibles like character, dedication, and familiarity with the Dallas area, particularly for developmental prospects who may not immediately impact the field but could contribute in the long term.

Looking Ahead

The upcoming 2026 NFL Draft will determine whether E.J. Smith joins the Cowboys, another team, or enters the league as a free agent. Regardless of the outcome, the attention on Emmitt Smith Jr. highlights the enduring influence of his father’s legacy and the ongoing fascination with potential NFL dynasties.

For Cowboys fans, the prospect of seeing a second-generation Smith in Dallas—even in a limited role—carries sentimental appeal. While the statistical likelihood of him becoming a key contributor is slim, the story itself captures the imagination: a young Dallas native, the son of a Hall of Famer, chasing his dream at the same franchise where his father became a legend.