With his rookie season finally in the rearview mirror, Mazi Smith is looking towards the future with a renewed sense of determination and a clear plan for improvement. Smith, who played all 17 regular-season games in his debut year for the Dallas Cowboys, faced a challenging season of adaptation and relentless effort. The stats tell part of the story: 13 tackles, one sack, eight quarterback pressures, and three tackles for loss. However, the numbers don’t fully capture the hurdles he overcame and the adjustments he had to make.
Smith's transition from college powerhouse Michigan, where he was listed at 337 pounds in 2022, to the NFL was marked by significant changes, including a weight drop to 323 pounds at the 2023 NFL Combine. However, to fit into defensive coordinator Dan Quinn's scheme, Smith’s weight dipped below 300 pounds. "Zimmer noted Smith lost a lot of weight when he joined the Cowboys and struggled last year," said new defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, who has joined the Cowboys' coaching staff, bringing a fresh perspective and a new plan for Smith.
The playoff loss in the NFC wild card round to the Green Bay Packers saw Smith logging only four snaps, a moment that underscored the necessity for improvement and adaptation. Zimmer, who aims to reshape the defensive line dynamics, plans to restore Smith to a more substantial playing weight. "Zimmer's plan is for Smith to play blocks more and use his hands and footwork correctly," highlighting the need for a technique-driven approach rather than just raw athleticism.
Smith’s Resilience and Adaptability
Despite the setbacks, Smith remains resolute. "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," Smith said, reflecting a practical mindset towards his weight and performance.
Smith's ambition to not just adapt but excel is echoed by his teammate Micah Parsons, who expressed confidence in Smith's untapped potential. "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, underscoring the high expectations set upon Smith's shoulders.
A New Path Forward
Stepping into his second year, Smith views this new start as a clean slate. "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," explained Zimmer, outlining a foundational approach aimed at honing Smith's technique and maximizing his physical attributes.
Smith's versatility and strength have always been key components of his game. "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," said Smith, emphasizing his multi-faceted abilities and readiness to fit into diverse defensive roles.
Parsons, a pivotal figure in the Cowboys’ defense, emphasizes the importance of Smith's development. "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, highlighting the collective efforts to push Smith towards becoming a dominant force on the field.
As Smith steps into the new season, the collaboration between him and the Cowboys' coaching staff, under Zimmer's guidance, is expected to unlock his potential. With a new game plan in place and a targeted playing weight, Smith is poised to leverage his physical and technical skills to make a significant impact. The journey ahead for Mazi Smith is one of refinement and relentless pursuit of excellence, embodying the spirit of resilience and adaptability in professional sports.