Mazi Smith's Journey Through His Rookie Year and Beyond
Mazi Smith's rookie year with the Dallas Cowboys was a season of adaptation and relentless effort. The former Michigan Wolverine, known for his substantial frame and powerful presence on the defensive line, played all 17 regular-season games in his debut NFL season. Despite the challenges, Smith's performance showcased both his potential and areas needing improvement.
Rookie Performance Metrics
In 2023, Smith recorded 13 tackles, one sack, eight quarterback pressures, and three tackles for loss, a respectable stat line for a player adjusting to the professional level. However, his participation in the NFC wild card round playoff was limited to just four snaps, highlighting the work ahead for the young defensive lineman.
Smith's physical transformation was a notable subplot of the season. Initially listed at 337 pounds during his college career at Michigan, Smith weighed in at 323 pounds at the 2023 NFL Combine. His weight further decreased to under 300 pounds to fit into the defensive scheme of then-Coordinator Dan Quinn. This significant weight reduction arguably played a role in his adjustment struggles on the field.
"Zimmer noted Smith lost a lot of weight when he joined the Cowboys and struggled last year," remarked new defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, acknowledging the young player's effort despite the hurdles.
A New Defensive Scheme
With Zimmer stepping in as the new defensive coordinator, a pivotal change is on the horizon for Smith. The veteran coach plans to allow Smith to return to a more substantial playing weight, aiming for a range between 310 and 315 pounds.
"I did everything I was supposed to do and did nothing but train. Everything in my power. Control the controllables. In this scheme, I don't want to be 290. Probably want to be like 310-315. See what that's doing for you. If you have to go up [more in weight], go up," Smith stated, demonstrating his dedication to adapting to Zimmer's vision.
Zimmer is focused on refining Smith’s fundamentals to maximize his effectiveness on the field. "Zimmer's plan is for Smith to play blocks more and use his hands and footwork correctly," he explained. This back-to-basics approach is underscored by Zimmer's confidence in Smith's potential improvement.
"He was trying to be an attacking three-technique to get up the field. ... Obviously, he was a high draft pick. I heard that he kind of struggled last year, so we're gonna start with the basics. Get him in a good stance, get him using his hands the right way, getting his footwork the right way and then go from there," Zimmer elaborated.
High Expectations and Team Support
One of the vocal supporters of Smith’s development is fellow Cowboy Micah Parsons, who is keen on seeing him succeed. "It's not what I think he can be, it's what Mazi has to be. When you get to this business, there is no more of a choice or a can: it's either you will or you won't... We drafted him to be in the game. That's how much confidence I have," Parsons emphasized, reflecting the team's high expectations.
Smith’s own perspective on his career aligns with a determined mindset. "My whole career I've been a guy who could play in multiple schemes. I got the athletic traits to be an up-field guy, but I have the strength to play at the line of scrimmage and build a wall," he noted, confident in his versatility.
As he prepares for the upcoming season, Smith aims to write his narrative on his terms. "I kind of go over there with a clean slate. I want to write my story. I don't really set goals. Everybody wants to be an All-Pro. Everybody wants to be top five. I want to be the best me I can be," he remarked, focusing on personal growth and peak performance.
Parsons voiced his support, reinforcing the collective hope within the team. "That's why I'm in his corner, I'm rooting for him and hoping to get him better every day... We need Mazi to be that great force. He can be a dominant player. It's just a will and mindset," Parsons stated.
As the new season approaches, Mazi Smith's journey through his rookie year, marked by significant physical transformation and the inevitable rookie hurdles, sets the stage for a compelling narrative under Mike Zimmer's tutelage. Expectations are high, but so is the support from his teammates and coaches. For Smith, the path ahead is clear: to harness his potential and become a formidable force on the Cowboys' defensive line.