Mazi Smith's Rookie Adjustment with the Dallas Cowboys
Mazi Smith's inaugural season with the Dallas Cowboys was one marked by adaptation and tenacity. Transitioning from college football at Michigan to the NFL entailed a steep learning curve for the rookie defensive tackle, yet Smith’s dedication and potential have not gone unnoticed.
Smith managed to participate in all 17 regular-season games, an impressive feat for any rookie. During the 2023 season, he tallied 13 tackles, one sack, eight quarterback pressures, and three tackles for loss. Despite these efforts, his performance in the playoffs was limited, logging only four snaps in the NFC wild card round against the Green Bay Packers.
One of the significant adjustments Smith faced was his weight. At Michigan, he was listed at 337 pounds, but by the 2023 NFL Combine, he had slimmed down to 323 pounds. Under Dan Quinn's defensive scheme, Smith’s weight even dropped below 300 pounds, an adaptation that Mike Zimmer, the new defensive coordinator, feels affected Smith’s performance. "Zimmer noted Smith lost a lot of weight when he joined the Cowboys and struggled last year," Zimmer explained.
Recognizing Smith's challenges, Zimmer plans to modify the approach. "Zimmer's plan is for Smith to play blocks more and use his hands and footwork correctly," the coach said. With these changes, Smith aims to play at a weight of 310-315 pounds, a significant adjustment that he believes will better suit his role in the new defensive 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," Smith remarked.
Zimmer’s philosophy for Smith focuses on fundamental skills. "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 outlined.
This commitment to fundamentals is echoed by star linebacker Micah Parsons, who didn't mince words about the 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 stated.
Smith himself remains optimistic and determined. "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 said, highlighting his versatility and readiness to adapt further.
As Smith looks ahead, he aims to leverage the clean slate he has been given by Zimmer’s new strategy. "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 expressed, underscoring his focus on personal growth and fulfillment over traditional accolades.
Parsons, who has been in Smith’s corner throughout, underlined the potential he sees in his teammate. "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 said, capturing the essence of support and expectation within the Cowboys' franchise.
In summary, Mazi Smith's rookie year with the Dallas Cowboys has been a period of significant learning and adjustment. With strategic changes planned by Mike Zimmer and unwavering support from teammates like Micah Parsons, Smith is poised to translate his relentless effort into impactful performance on the field.