Mazi Smith's Transition Year: A Tale of Adaptation and Determination
Mazi Smith's rookie journey with the Dallas Cowboys was one marked by adaptation and relentless effort. The highly-touted defensive tackle out of Michigan undertook a season-long quest for balance, both in weight and in performance, striving to make his mark despite the challenges he faced.
A Season of Learning
Smith participated in all 17 regular-season games in 2023, establishing his presence on the field through consistent play. His stat line for the season included 13 tackles, one sack, eight quarterback pressures, and three tackles for loss. These numbers reflect his gradual adjustment to the professional level, particularly within the defensive scheme he was initially placed.
In the NFC wild card round playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers, Smith's contribution was limited, logging merely four snaps. This minimal participation highlighted the growing pains many rookies encounter, especially when transitioning from college to the NFL's rigorous demands.
Weight Fluctuations and Scheme Adjustments
During his college tenure at Michigan, Smith was listed at a solid 337 pounds. By the time he reached the NFL Combine in 2023, he had trimmed down to 323 pounds. The defensive scheme under Dan Quinn further drove his weight below 300 pounds, aiming for a leaner, quicker profile to fit specific tactical needs. However, this significant weight drop posed its own set of challenges.
"Zimmer noted Smith lost a lot of weight when he joined the Cowboys and struggled last year," remarked Mike Zimmer, the newly appointed defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys. Zimmer's arrival marked a potential turning point for Smith's career.
New Leadership, New Opportunities
Under Zimmer's guidance, the defensive strategy is set to shift, potentially allowing Smith to return to a more substantial playing weight. The plan is structured to optimize Smith's natural abilities, emphasizing the importance of fundamentals.
"Zimmer's plan is for Smith to play blocks more and use his hands and footwork correctly," Zimmer explained, outlining a back-to-basics approach tailored to harness Smith's physicality and skill set.
Smith himself is ready to embrace this change. "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," Smith articulated, indicating his commitment to finding the optimal balance for peak performance.
Indeed, Zimmer emphasizes the crucial first steps: "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."
Expectations and Confidence
Smith's potential is not up for debate within the Cowboys' organization. Linebacker Micah Parsons, a key defensive asset for the team, voiced his confidence in Smith's future impact: "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."
For Smith, his career trajectory is a blend of versatility and resilience. "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 noted, underscoring his adaptable nature and readiness to evolve under different defensive paradigms.
As Smith prepares for his second season, he approaches it with a determined mindset. "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," he expressed, highlighting a personal drive that extends beyond mere statistics.
Parsons, too, is invested in Smith's development. "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 concluded, echoing the shared sentiment of belief and anticipation for what Smith can achieve in the upcoming seasons.
The story of Mazi Smith's rookie year with the Dallas Cowboys is one of evolving strategies, physical adjustments, and unwavering determination. Under the new direction of Mike Zimmer, and with the support of teammates like Micah Parsons, Smith’s potential is clearer than ever, paving the way for what promises to be a formidable presence on the defensive line.