As the 2023 NFL season unfolded, rookie Mazi Smith's journey with the Dallas Cowboys showcased adaptation and unwavering effort. Smith, a promising talent from Michigan, endured a season of physical transformations and tactical adjustments.
Smith made his presence felt across all 17 regular-season games, notching 13 tackles, one sack, eight quarterback pressures, and three tackles for loss. However, his impact diminished in the NFC wild card round, where he logged a mere four snaps in the playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers.
A Season of Changes
The transition from college to the NFL presented numerous challenges for Smith, not least of which was managing his weight to fit into the defensive schemes of Dan Quinn. During his time at Michigan, Smith weighed in at a formidable 337 pounds. By the 2023 NFL Combine, he had slimmed down to 323 pounds. Yet, to meet the demands of Quinn's system, Smith's weight dropped below 300 pounds—a shift that impacted his performance.
"Zimmer noted Smith lost a lot of weight when he joined the Cowboys and struggled last year," remarked Mike Zimmer, the newly appointed defensive coordinator for the Cowboys. Recognizing a need to recalibrate, Zimmer has plans to allow Smith to carry more weight as part of an effort to enhance his effectiveness on the field.
Adjusting Under Zimmer's Guidance
Smith plans to play at a weight between 310 to 315 pounds under the new scheme. "In this scheme, I don't want to be 290. Probably want to be like 310-315," Smith explained. "See what that's doing for you. If you have to go up [more in weight], go up."
Zimmer's approach is methodical, aiming to refine Smith's fundamental skills and restore his contributions to the defensive lineup. "He was trying to be an attacking three-technique to get up the field," Zimmer stated. "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's Determination and Versatility
Smith's commitment to his craft and adaptability remains a cornerstone of his career. Reflecting on his journey, Smith noted, "I did everything I was supposed to do and did nothing but train. Everything in my power. Control the controllables." His focus on self-improvement and his versatile skill set make him a valuable asset to the Cowboys' defense. "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 added.
Micah Parsons, a standout linebacker for the Cowboys, expressed strong confidence and support 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," Parsons emphasized. "We drafted him to be in the game. That's how much confidence I have."
A Clean Slate and a Fresh Start
As Smith embarks on the next chapter of his NFL career, he remains focused on personal excellence and redefining his role within the team. "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," Smith stated. His commitment to refining his skills and physical condition under Zimmer's guidance sets the stage for a promising second season.
"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 concluded.
Smith's journey with the Cowboys embodies the resilience and determination that define the path to NFL success. With a recalibrated approach and supportive teammates, Smith looks to turn potential into performance, solidifying his place in the Cowboys' defensive lineup.