With the 2025 NFL Draft officially wrapped up, the Dallas Cowboys and the other 31 NFL teams are building their UDFA classes and inviting other undrafted players to rookie minicamp.
The Cowboys are set to open up minicamp on Friday with two practices, and then on Saturday, there will be another practice session. Before camp begins, Dallas will reportedly invite a local QB prospect to the three-day event to earn a spot on the 90-man roster.
On Wednesday, ESPN’s Todd Archer reported that former Houston and Texas Tech quarterback Donovan Smith will attend minicamp on a tryout basis.
The Cowboys will have former Houston and Texas Tech quarterback Donovan Smith work their rookie minicamp this weekend on a tryout basis. The two practices open to the media on Friday, Saturday will only be about an hour each to serve as introduction for the rookies.
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) April 30, 2025
The 6-foot-4 quarterback went undrafted after spending the last two years at the University of Houston to finish his college career.
In his final two seasons with the Cougars, he completed 64.7 percent of his passes for 3,668 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 21 interceptions. Smith also ran for 575 yards on the ground and added nine scores.
Last season at Houston, Smith completed 65.4 percent of his passes for 867 yards, four TDs, and eight interceptions in nine games. He also had 147 rushing yards and three scores.
Smith began his career at Texas Tech. He played two years in Lubbock, TX, passing for 2,686 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions at a 64.3 percent clip.
As things currently stand, the Cowboys already have their backup in Joe Milton, who will play behind starter Dak Prescott. However, there could be room for Smith to compete for the QB3 spot with Will Grier if he performs well at minicamp.
The former Houston signal-caller will stand in the pocket under duress and deliver a throw. He also has the mobility to pick up yards on the ground and good arm strength to fit passes into tight windows.
However, one of Smith’s biggest issues in college was his ball placement and accuracy, which can be fixed at the next level. The Cowboys will see if the former Houston QB shows something at rookie minicamp to get signed to the 90-man roster for training camp.