In his rookie season with the Dallas Cowboys, Mazi Smith faced a journey of adaptation and relentless effort. Initially playing all 17 regular-season games, the former Michigan standout recorded 13 tackles, one sack, eight quarterback pressures, and three tackles for loss in the 2023 season. Despite these efforts, he logged only four snaps in the NFC wild card round playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers.
A Season of Transition
Smith's transition to the NFL was marked by significant adjustments, notably his weight. Listed at 337 pounds during his college career at Michigan in 2022, Smith weighed 323 pounds at the 2023 NFL Combine. However, he had to dip below 300 pounds to fit into defensive coordinator Dan Quinn's scheme. This drastic change affected his performance, as noted by new defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer: "Zimmer noted Smith lost a lot of weight when he joined the Cowboys and struggled last year."
Zimmer's arrival brought a new vision for Smith's role within the Cowboys' defense. The plan is to allow Smith to return to a more substantial playing weight and adopt a more traditional role on the defensive line. "Zimmer's plan is for Smith to play blocks more and use his hands and footwork correctly," Zimmer emphasized. The goal is to get Smith back to a weight where he can be most effective, around 310-315 pounds, as Smith himself pointed out: "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."
Rediscovering Strength
Smith's proposed return to a heavier playing weight comes with the promise of a more impactful presence on the field. Zimmer believes this adjustment will help Smith fulfill the potential the Cowboys saw when they drafted him. "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 explained.
Smith remains optimistic about his ability to adapt and perform under Zimmer's approach. "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," Smith said. This versatility might be the key to unlocking a new level of performance and consistency.
Support from Teammates
Smith's teammates have recognized his potential and the effort he has put into his development. Star linebacker Micah Parsons expressed his confidence in Smith's abilities: "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' faith in Smith's potential is rooted in his belief in Smith's work ethic and mindset. "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 remarked.
A Fresh Start
For Smith, the upcoming season represents an opportunity to write a new chapter in his career. Reflecting on his mindset, he shared, "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."
Smith's journey with the Cowboys has been one of learning and growth. With the support of his coaches and teammates, and a return to a playing weight that maximizes his strengths, Smith is poised to become a crucial part of the Cowboys' defensive lineup. As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on Mazi Smith to see how he embraces this fresh start and delivers on the promise the Cowboys believed in.