Mazi Smith's rookie season with the Dallas Cowboys was defined by adaptation and relentless effort, marking a pivotal year of transition. Selected for his standout college career at Michigan, where he weighed in at an imposing 337 pounds in 2022, Smith faced a challenging adjustment to the demands of the NFL and his new team.
Adapting to the NFL
Smith played in all 17 regular-season games for the Cowboys, demonstrating his durability and persistence. However, his rookie year statistics—13 tackles, one sack, eight quarterback pressures, and three tackles for loss—highlight a player in the throes of adaptation rather than dominance. The season culminated in a bitter note when the Cowboys faced a playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers, during which Smith logged a mere four snaps in the NFC wild card round.
Changing Roles and Weight Adjustments
The physical demands of the NFL necessitated significant changes for Smith. At the 2023 NFL Combine, he weighed 323 pounds, a reduction from his college weight. Under the defensive scheme of Dan Quinn, Smith's weight further dipped below 300 pounds, reflecting a strategic decision rather than a personal fitness choice. According to Mike Zimmer, who took over as the new defensive coordinator, Smith "lost a lot of weight when he joined the Cowboys and struggled last year."
This weight loss proved to be a double-edged sword. While it might have increased Smith's agility, it did not align perfectly with the demands of his position. Reflecting on this experience, Smith remarked, “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."
Mike Zimmer’s New Vision
With Zimmer's arrival, there's a shift back to Smith’s strengths. Zimmer plans on returning Smith to a more robust playing weight, between 310 to 315 pounds, and emphasizes the basics to maximize his effectiveness. Zimmer stated, “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.”
This newfound focus on fundamentals is set to be the cornerstone of Smith's developmental plan. Zimmer aims to refocus Smith's role, allowing him to leverage his size and strength at the line of scrimmage. “Zimmer's plan is for Smith to play blocks more and use his hands and footwork correctly,” noted the defensive coordinator.
Smith’s Determination and Versatility
The defensive lineman's varied skill set remains a significant asset. “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 asserts, reflecting his belief in his own versatility.
Smith approaches this new chapter with a clear-headed vision and no specific benchmarks. “I kind of go over there with a clean slate. I want to write my story. I don't really set goals. Everybody want to be an All-Pro. Everybody want to be top five. I want to be the best me I can be,” said Smith.
Support from Teammates
Cowboys' standout linebacker Micah Parsons has expressed robust support for Smith. “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,” said Parsons, emphasizing the stakes and expectations surrounding Smith's performance.
Parsons remains optimistic about Smith's potential. “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.”
As Smith moves forward with the guidance of a seasoned coach and unyielding support from his teammates, the Cowboys' collective focus remains on cultivating his innate potential and translating his collegiate success onto the professional stage.