The 2023 NFL season for Mazi Smith was nothing short of a journey marked by adaptation and sheer determination under the spotlight of the Dallas Cowboys' demanding expectations. A standout from Michigan, Smith transitioned into professional football with trials that tested his mettle, skill, and versatility.
A Year of Transition
Smith's rookie season saw him participate in all 17 regular-season games, a testament to his durability and perseverance. His stat line included 13 tackles, one sack, eight quarterback pressures, and three tackles for loss—a solid beginning for a player finding his way in the NFL. Yet, come the crucial NFC wild card round against the Green Bay Packers, Smith was on the field for only four snaps. This limited playtime underscored the struggles he faced in his first year with the Cowboys. Mike Zimmer, recently appointed as the Cowboys' defensive coordinator, reflected on Smith's initial season. "Zimmer noted Smith lost a lot of weight when he joined the Cowboys and struggled last year," indicating the physical and tactical adjustments Smith endured.
Weight and Scheme Adjustments
Weighing in at 337 pounds during his time at Michigan, Smith had to slim down to 323 pounds for the 2023 NFL Combine. The need to fit into Dan Quinn's defensive scheme saw his weight drop even further below 300 pounds. However, with Zimmer's new defensive vision for the Cowboys, there came an opportunity for Smith to revert to a more substantial weight, ideally between 310-315 pounds. Smith spoke on his weight fluctuation and aspirations under Zimmer's scheme: "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."
New Beginnings and Renewed Focus
With Zimmer at the helm, the focus is on honing Smith's fundamentals. "Zimmer's plan is for Smith to play blocks more and use his hands and footwork correctly," said the coordinator. The foundational work is critical, especially for a high draft pick like Smith, who initially aimed to be an aggressive, up-field three-technique player. 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."
Supporting Voices and High Expectations
The faith in Smith is not just limited to the coaching staff. Star linebacker Micah Parsons has voiced strong support for his 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' words underscore the high expectations placed on Smith, emphasizing his potential to be a dominant force on the field. Parsons also remarked, "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's Personal Resolve
For Smith, the journey is about leveraging his versatile skill set while focusing on self-improvement. He shared his mindset: "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." Moreover, he is eager to carve out his own identity within the NFL, stating, "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."
The narrative of Mazi Smith's rookie season is one of resilience and continuous learning. As he steps into his sophomore year, the synergy between his evolved playing weight, refined technical skills, and the guidance from a seasoned defensive coordinator like Mike Zimmer could be the catalyst for a breakout season. Smith's commitment to improving and embodying the powerhouse player the Cowboys envision remains unwavering, setting the stage for an exciting future.