Mazi Smith: A Rookie Year of Adaptation and Ambition
Mazi Smith's rookie year with the Dallas Cowboys was marked by a season of adaptation and relentless effort. Drafted with high expectations, Smith played all 17 regular-season games, recording 13 tackles, one sack, eight quarterback pressures, and three tackles for loss in the 2023 season. However, his journey was not without its challenges, adjusting to the demands of the NFL and finding his place in Dan Quinn's defensive scheme.
Weight Fluctuations and Scheme Adjustments
Coming into the NFL, Smith's weight was a significant focus. Listed at 337 pounds during his college career at Michigan, Smith reduced his weight to 323 pounds for the 2023 NFL Combine. In an effort to adapt to Quinn's defensive strategy, he further shed weight, dipping below 300 pounds. This considerable weight loss, however, seemed to impact his performance.
"Zimmer noted Smith lost a lot of weight when he joined the Cowboys and struggled last year," shared newly appointed defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer. Recognizing the need for a change, Zimmer plans to allow Smith to return to a more substantial playing weight. Smith plans to aim for a weight of 310 to 315 pounds under Zimmer's new scheme.
A New Direction with Mike Zimmer
Zimmer's strategy for Smith is clear: "Zimmer's plan is for Smith to play blocks more and use his hands and footwork correctly." This pragmatic approach aims to refine Smith's fundamentals and leverage his physical strengths. Zimmer elaborated, "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."
Smith himself acknowledged the challenges and expressed a positive outlook, emphasizing his dedication to improvement. "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."
Teammate Support and Future Prospects
Despite the struggles, Smith's potential has not gone unnoticed. Micah Parsons, a key figure in the Cowboys' defense, voiced his confidence in Smith's abilities. "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, reinforcing the high expectations for Smith's contributions.
Parsons further 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."
Smith, reflecting on his adaptability and aspirations, said, "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." His commitment to maximizing his potential is evident in his approach to the new scheme and his personal goals. "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."
A Season of Growth and Determination
In his rookie year, Smith showcased a blend of tenacity and adaptability. As he continues to refine his skills under Zimmer’s guidance, the Cowboys are optimistic about his development. With the support of his teammates and a renewed focus on fundamentals, Mazi Smith is poised to make significant strides in the upcoming seasons.