Mazi Smith's rookie year with the Dallas Cowboys was marked by a mix of challenges and unwavering effort, highlighting his transition from college football to the NFL. Despite playing all 17 regular-season games, Smith recorded modest statistics with 13 tackles, one sack, eight quarterback pressures, and three tackles for loss in the 2023 season. His performance in the NFC wild card round, where he logged only four snaps in a loss to the Green Bay Packers, hinted at the adjustments still needed.
Weight and Adaptation
Initially listed at 337 pounds during his time at Michigan, Smith weighed in at 323 pounds at the 2023 NFL Combine. His weight further dipped below 300 pounds to fit into Dan Quinn's defensive scheme. This significant change posed challenges for Smith, as highlighted by new defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, who observed, "Smith lost a lot of weight when he joined the Cowboys and struggled last year."
Zimmer plans to allow Smith to return to a more substantial playing weight, aiming for him to be around 310-315 pounds. Smith himself acknowledges this adjustment, stating, "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."
The New Scheme and Expectations
Smith’s role in Quinn's attacking three-technique required a lighter frame and quickness to get upfield, an adjustment that did not play to all of his strengths. Zimmer's coaching philosophy represents a return to basics and fundamentals, aiming to harness Smith’s natural abilities. "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.
A Clean Slate and Renewed Focus
Smith's perspective on his NFL journey so far is one of resilience and determination. "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," he reflected. The new scheme offers Smith a fresh opportunity to showcase his skills without the constraints felt during his rookie year. "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.
Team Support and Confidence
Among Smith’s strongest supporters is star linebacker Micah Parsons, who has high expectations for his young teammate. "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. He 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."
As Smith prepares for the upcoming season, the shift in his playing weight and the back-to-basics approach from Zimmer bring renewed hope for his development. The journey from college to professional football is often fraught with trials, but with such support and a clear direction, Smith has the potential to become a key figure on the Cowboys’ defense.