In his rookie season with the Dallas Cowboys, Mazi Smith experienced a year of adaptation and relentless effort. The young defensive lineman showcased his endurance by playing all 17 regular-season games. However, the transition was not without its challenges as he struggled to find his footing on the professional stage.
Smith’s stats in the 2023 season reflected his persistent efforts: 13 tackles, one sack, eight quarterback pressures, and three tackles for loss. Despite these contributions, he saw limited action in the playoffs, logging only four snaps during the NFC wild card round playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers.
Weight Challenges and Scheme Adjustments
At Michigan, Smith was listed at 337 pounds in 2022. By the time he reached the 2023 NFL Combine, he had slimmed down to 323 pounds, continuing to shed weight as he acclimated to Dan Quinn's defensive scheme. Smith's weight eventually dipped below 300 pounds in an effort to fit the system better. But this substantial weight loss seemed to come at a cost. "Zimmer noted Smith lost a lot of weight when he joined the Cowboys and struggled last year," remarked Mike Zimmer, the new defensive coordinator for the Cowboys.
With the fresh season on the horizon and Zimmer at the helm, there are plans to allow Smith to return to a more substantial playing weight. Zimmer aims for Smith to play blocks more and enhance his hand and footwork techniques. "Zimmer's plan is for Smith to play blocks more and use his hands and footwork correctly," Zimmer elaborates. For Smith, this change is a beacon of hope to unlock his potential. "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 expressed with resolve.
Developing the Basics
The renewed focus on fundamental skills is seen as key to Smith’s success. Zimmer underscores the necessity to return to fundamentals to develop Smith’s capabilities. "He was trying to be an attacking three-technique to get up the field...and 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," he stated.
This meticulous approach reflects a belief in Smith’s potential and a clear pathway to harness that talent. "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 Micah Parsons, echoing Zimmer's sentiments on the necessity for Smith to step up his game.
Versatility and Aspirations
Smith remains optimistic and determined as he reflects on his own versatility and aspirations. "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. This adaptability is seen as pivotal in his development under Zimmer's new scheme.
Smith admits to approaching this fresh chapter with a positive mindset, ready to write his own story. "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," Smith shared.
A New Chapter
The support from teammates like Micah Parsons further bolsters the sense of renewed opportunity 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," said Parsons, underlining the collective belief in Smith's ability to reach new heights.
As Mazi Smith steps into his second year with the Cowboys, the stage is set for a transformed and reinvigorated athlete. With a solid plan, a supportive team, and a return to fundamentals, Smith looks forward to demonstrating resilience and achieving significant progress in the upcoming season.