Mazi Smith's rookie year with the Dallas Cowboys was a season marked by adaptation and relentless effort, as the young defensive tackle navigated the transition from his college days at Michigan to the professional level. Playing all 17 regular-season games, Smith showcased a commendable work ethic, tallying 13 tackles, one sack, eight quarterback pressures, and three tackles for loss in the 2023 season.
Despite these efforts, Smith's performance in the NFC wild card round against the Green Bay Packers was limited, with the rookie logging only four snaps. Much of this struggle can be attributed to a significant weight loss as part of fitting into Dan Quinn's defensive scheme. Smith, who was listed at 337 pounds during his college career at Michigan, weighed 323 pounds at the NFL Combine but saw his weight dip below 300 pounds during the season.
Adapting to a New Scheme
Mike Zimmer, who stepped in as the new defensive coordinator for the Cowboys, recognized the challenges that Smith faced in his rookie season. "Zimmer noted Smith lost a lot of weight when he joined the Cowboys and struggled last year," Zimmer explained. Smith needs to return to a more substantial playing weight to maximize his potential in Zimmer's system.
With Zimmer at the helm, there are plans to adjust Smith’s playing weight to a range of 310-315 pounds. This adjustment aligns with the defensive coordinator's strategy of leveraging Smith’s natural bulk and strength. "Zimmer's plan is for Smith to play blocks more and use his hands and footwork correctly," Zimmer added. This approach contrasts with the previous focus on making Smith an attacking three-technique primarily aimed at penetrating the backfield.
Building Smith's Confidence
The team remains confident in Smith's abilities and potential. Micah Parsons, a key figure in the Cowboys' defense, expressed unwavering faith in Smith’s development. "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 stated.
Parsons emphasized the importance of Smith becoming a strong and reliable force on the defensive line. "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 added.
Embracing the Future
Smith, for his part, appears eager and ready to embrace the changes and expectations set before him. Understanding the need to fit into the new scheme, Smith is preparing to adjust his playing weight to benefit the team's overall strategy. "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 remarked.
Additionally, Smith is keen on starting with a clean slate and focusing on personal improvement. "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 shared. Smith's versatility is an asset, and he remains confident in his ability to adapt to varying schemes. "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 explained.
As Mike Zimmer takes the reins on defense, the focus will be on imparting fundamental skills and reinforcing Smith's strengths. "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 elaborated.
With Smith's dedication and the support of his teammates and coaches, the Dallas Cowboys are optimistic that their young defensive tackle will realize his potential and become a formidable presence on the field.