Mazi Smith's Rookie Journey: A Year of Growth and Adaptation
In a season marked by relentless adaptation and uncompromising effort, Mazi Smith's rookie year with the Dallas Cowboys exemplified the challenges and rewards of transitioning to the NFL. Known for his impressive stature and defensive prowess during his college career at Michigan, Smith had to undergo significant changes to fit into the Cowboys' defensive scheme led by Dan Quinn.
Throughout his rookie season, Smith played in all 17 regular-season games. His stats—13 tackles, one sack, eight quarterback pressures, and three tackles for loss—speak volumes about his consistent presence on the field. However, in the critical NFC wild card round against the Green Bay Packers, he logged only four snaps, illustrating the nuances and struggles that rookies often encounter in high-stakes games.
Smith's physical transformation was a key storyline of his debut year. At Michigan, he was listed at a sturdy 337 pounds. By the time he showcased his skills at the 2023 NFL Combine, his weight had dropped to 323 pounds. The defensive scheme with the Cowboys prompted Smith to lose even more weight, eventually dipping below 300 pounds to align with the strategy prescribed by Quinn.
Mike Zimmer's appointment as the new defensive coordinator for the Cowboys brings a fresh perspective on Smith's development. Zimmer noted Smith's weight loss and its impact, pointing out, "Smith lost a lot of weight when he joined the Cowboys and struggled last year." Zimmer's plan is to allow Smith to return to a more substantial playing weight, targeting a range of 310-315 pounds. Zimmer emphasized the importance of fundamentals, stating, "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 himself acknowledges the need for a more balanced approach. "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," he explained. His dedication to improving his game is evident in his focus on control and conditioning. "I did everything I was supposed to do and did nothing but train. Everything in my power. Control the controllables," Smith remarked.
Teammates and coaches alike have high expectations for Smith. Micah Parsons, the defensive dynamo for the Cowboys, expressed unwavering 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. Recognizing the adaptability and skill set Smith brings, Parsons added, "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."
Smith's versatility and athleticism have been his cornerstone attributes, and he plans to leverage these under Zimmer's guidance. "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," said Smith. His approach to the upcoming season is one of personal evolution rather than mere statistical success. "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 reflected.
As Mazi Smith embarks on his second season with the Cowboys, the blend of his relentless work ethic and the strategic shift under Mike Zimmer's tutelage holds the promise of a breakout year. The journey of refining his technique, optimizing his weight, and harnessing his raw talent could well transform Smith into the formidable defensive lineman the Cowboys envisioned when they drafted him. With the support of teammates like Parsons and the strategic acumen of Zimmer, Smith's upcoming season is poised to be a testament to resilience, adaptation, and unyielding determination.