Mazi Smith's Adaptation and Effort in His Rookie Year with the Dallas Cowboys
Mazi Smith’s rookie season with the Dallas Cowboys was marked by adaptation, determination, and a significant physical transformation. The defensive tackle from Michigan played all 17 regular-season games in 2023, focusing on consistent effort and learning the nuances of the professional game.
In his first year, Smith recorded 13 tackles, one sack, eight quarterback pressures, and three tackles for loss. Despite these solid numbers for a rookie, his performance saw limited participation in critical moments, including logging only four snaps in the NFC wild card round playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers.
Smith’s physical journey began well before he stepped onto an NFL field. During his college career at Michigan, he was listed at a hefty 337 pounds in 2022. By the time he reached the 2023 NFL Combine, he had slimmed down to 323 pounds. As he joined the Cowboys, he continued to lose weight, dipping below 300 pounds to fit better into defensive coordinator Dan Quinn's scheme.
However, Smith's weight loss came with its set of challenges. As new defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer noted, "Zimmer noted Smith lost a lot of weight when he joined the Cowboys and struggled last year." Zimmer plans to implement a more supportive scheme, allowing Smith to return to a more substantial playing weight. Smith now aims to play at around 310-315 pounds, which he believes will enable him to perform more effectively within the new system.
"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," Smith stated. This approach aligns with Zimmer's strategy to enhance Smith's physical presence on the line.
Transitioning to a new system, Zimmer is focused on Smith's fundamental skills. "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's versatility and athleticism were anticipated qualities when the Cowboys drafted him. "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 emphasized. His mindset now is to hone these skills and adapt them to meet the demands of the professional level.
Fellow teammate Micah Parsons has expressed unwavering support for Smith. "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 said, highlighting the potential he sees in Smith.
Looking ahead, Smith is ready to take control of his narrative. "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." His focus remains on leveraging his strengths and providing the Dallas Cowboys with the robust defensive presence they sought from him as a high draft pick.
Micah Parsons encapsulated the stakes and expectations succinctly: "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."
With a rigorous training regime, a supportive coaching staff led by Mike Zimmer, and the guidance of veteran teammates like Parsons, Mazi Smith looks poised for a year of growth and impact. His journey will undoubtedly be a focal point for the Cowboys' defense in the coming season.