Mazi Smith's rookie year with the Dallas Cowboys was a season marked by adaptation and relentless effort. Transitioning from his college career at Michigan, where he was listed at 337 pounds in 2022, to the NFL stage proved to be both physically and mentally demanding for the young defensive tackle.
Adapting to the NFL
Smith participated in all 17 regular-season games, contributing 13 tackles, one sack, eight quarterback pressures, and three tackles for loss in the 2023 season. His performance hinted at potential but also revealed areas needing development. Despite his consistent presence during the regular season, Smith only logged a mere four snaps in the NFC wild card round playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers.
One of the key adjustments Smith faced was his weight management. Weighing 323 pounds at the 2023 NFL Combine, Smith had to further slim down to fit into former defensive coordinator Dan Quinn's scheme, eventually dropping below 300 pounds. This weight reduction, however, seemingly impeded his natural playing style and effectiveness on the field.
The Zimmer Era
The arrival of Mike Zimmer as the new defensive coordinator for the Cowboys paints an optimistic picture for Smith's future. Zimmer plans to allow Smith to revert to a more substantial playing weight.
"Zimmer noted Smith lost a lot of weight when he joined the Cowboys and struggled last year," recalled the defensive coordinator. His objective is clear: to get Smith back to a weight where he can utilize his strengths more effectively. Smith aims to play at 310-315 pounds, a more comfortable range that aligns better with his natural play style. "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 stated.
Zimmer's plan is to refine Smith's fundamental skills. "Zimmer's plan is for Smith to play blocks more and use his hands and footwork correctly," he emphasized. This approach underscores a back-to-basics training regime, focusing on refining the nuances of Smith's techniques, from his stance to his hand usage, and footwork. "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 detailed.
Smith's Determination and Team Support
Smith's personal determination and unwavering work ethic are evident. "I did everything I was supposed to do and did nothing but train. Everything in my power. Control the controllables," he explained. His focus is not just on personal accolades but on being the best he can be within the team framework. "I kind of go over there with a clean slate. I want to write my story. I don't really set goals. Everybody wants to be an All-Pro. Everybody wants to be top five. I want to be the best me I can be," he reflected.
Smith's teammates and coaches are plainly invested in his success. Micah Parsons, a celebrated linebacker for the Cowboys, has high hopes and concrete expectations for Smith. "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 asserted. His support extends beyond mere words; it's a shared vision of what Smith can achieve. "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 stated.
Looking Forward
Smith's journey is illustrative of the challenges many rookies face as they transition from college to the professional arena in the NFL. It underscores the importance of adaptability, support from coaching staff and teammates, and relentless self-improvement. With Zimmer's new schemes and the support of his team, Smith is poised to harness his full potential, aiming to become a formidable force on the Cowboys' defensive line.