Mazi Smith's rookie year with the Dallas Cowboys proved to be both a lesson in adaptation and a testament to his relentless effort. The 2023 season saw him transition into the professional league with notable statistics to his name, participating in all 17 regular-season games. Within these encounters, Smith achieved 13 tackles, one sack, eight quarterback pressures, and three tackles for loss. Despite his efforts, the Cowboys' playoff run was cut short, with Smith logging just four snaps in the NFC wild card round loss to the Green Bay Packers.
A Weighty Challenge
Smith’s journey began at the 2023 NFL Combine, where he weighed in at 323 pounds, down from his college playing weight of 337 pounds at Michigan in 2022. Integrating into the Cowboys' defense under Dan Quinn’s scheme required Smith to slim down even further, dipping below 300 pounds. This adjustment, however, came with its challenges. “Zimmer noted Smith lost a lot of weight when he joined the Cowboys and struggled last year,” shares defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, who recently took over the Cowboys’ defensive strategies.
The offseason brought a shift in focus for Smith. Zimmer plans to allow the young defensive tackle to return to a more comfortable playing weight. “Zimmer’s plan is for Smith to play blocks more and use his hands and footwork correctly.” The strategy involves Smith aiming for a playing weight of 310-315 pounds, a range he believes will optimize his performance within the new scheme. “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,” said Smith.
Adapting to New Expectations
Mike Zimmer’s influence extends beyond weight management. His emphasis on fundamentals is aimed at harnessing Smith’s potential. “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 explains. This back-to-basics approach seeks to rebuild Smith from the ground up, emphasizing control and precision.
The expectations placed on Smith resonate strongly within the locker room. “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,” asserts teammate Micah Parsons. This no-nonsense perspective highlights the belief in Smith’s inherent abilities and the necessity of translating potential into production.
Future Aspirations
Despite the criticisms and the adjustments, Smith remains optimistic. He is keen on showcasing his versatility: “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.” This adaptability underscores Smith's readiness to evolve and excel under different defensive demands.
With the new scheme and revamped support from the coaching staff, Smith views the upcoming season as an opportunity to craft his legacy. “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 states. His approach is both humble and determined, focusing on consistent self-improvement rather than predefined accolades.
Team Support and Personal Determination
The confidence in Smith isn’t isolated to him; it’s a sentiment echoed by his teammates, particularly by leaders like Parsons. “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.” This supportive environment, paired with Smith’s personal resolve, sets the stage for a promising second year.
Mazi Smith's initial year with the Cowboys was undoubtedly educational, laden with both challenges and achievements. As he prepares to enter his sophomore NFL season, supported by a new defensive scheme and a return to a more suitable playing weight, the future looks bright. The anticipation and readiness to tackle the forthcoming opportunities demonstrate Smith's resilience and potential to become a formidable force in the Cowboys’ defense. His journey is a testament to perseverance and adaptation, hallmarks of a promising NFL career.