Mazi Smith: A First-Year Journey and the Path Forward
Mazi Smith's rookie season with the Dallas Cowboys was marked by both adaptation and unwavering effort. Transitioning from college to the NFL is no small feat, and Smith's journey is emblematic of that evolution.
The Rookie Campaign
Smith played in all 17 regular-season games, showcasing his durability and commitment. Over the course of the 2023 season, he recorded 13 tackles, one sack, eight quarterback pressures, and three tackles for loss. However, his impact was more nuanced than statistics alone can convey. The postseason was a somber note, with Smith logging only four snaps in the Cowboys' NFC wild card round playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers.
Weight and Scheme Adjustments
Smith's weight fluctuated significantly from his college days at Michigan. In 2022, Smith weighed in at 337 pounds; by the 2023 NFL Combine, he had trimmed down to 323 pounds. His weight further dipped below 300 pounds to assimilate into Defensive Coordinator Dan Quinn's scheme. "Zimmer noted Smith lost a lot of weight when he joined the Cowboys and struggled last year," the newly appointed Defensive Coordinator Mike Zimmer observed.
Zimmer's arrival may herald a new chapter for Smith. Under Zimmer's guidance, Smith aims to increase his playing weight to 310-315 pounds. "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 explained.
Return to Fundamentals
Zimmer is focused on foundational skills to improve Smith's effectiveness. "Zimmer's plan is for Smith to play blocks more and use his hands and footwork correctly," he stated, underscoring a back-to-basics approach. Zimmer elaborated, "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."
Smith's Perspective
Smith is taking this in stride, emphasizing control over what he can influence. "I did everything I was supposed to do and did nothing but train. Everything in my power. Control the controllables," Smith remarked. He remains optimistic about his ability to adapt and thrive. "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's goals are centered on personal excellence rather than accolades. "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 noted.
Teammate Support
Confidence from within the organization is evident. Linebacker Micah Parsons expressed his belief in Smith's potential. "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 asserted.
Parsons is rooting for Smith to succeed and recognizes the importance of his role. "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," he added.
Moving Forward
As Smith prepares for his sophomore season, the support from his coaches and teammates, along with an emphasis on fundamentals, sets a promising stage for his development. His ability to adapt and his unwavering commitment will be critical as he aims to transform potential into proven performance on the field.