Adaptation and Effort Define Mazi Smith's Rookie Year with Cowboys
Mazi Smith's inaugural season with the Dallas Cowboys was a journey of adaptation and unwavering effort. The rookie played all 17 regular-season games in 2023, recording 13 tackles, one sack, eight quarterback pressures, and three tackles for loss. However, Smith's introduction to the NFL was far from smooth.
During the 2022 college football season, Smith weighed in at 337 pounds at Michigan. Come the 2023 NFL Combine, his weight had decreased to 323 pounds. This reduction continued into his time with the Cowboys, where he eventually dipped below 300 pounds to fit into the defensive scheme designed by Dan Quinn.
Despite the weight drop, Smith found himself on the margins during the NFC wild card round, logging only four snaps in the playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers. Reflecting on his rookie season, new defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer noted, "Smith lost a lot of weight when he joined the Cowboys and struggled last year."
A Shift in Defensive Strategy
With Zimmer now at the helm of the Cowboys' defense, a shift in strategy is in motion. Zimmer is determined to allow Smith to return to a more substantial playing weight. Smith himself plans to play between 310 and 315 pounds, a noticeable increase from his rookie playing weight. "I did everything I was supposed to do and did nothing but train. In this scheme, I don't want to be 290. Probably want to be like 310-315," Smith stated, hinting at the adjustments ahead.
Zimmer's approach will emphasize fundamental skills, aiming to harness Smith's physical capabilities. "Zimmer's plan is for Smith to play blocks more and use his hands and footwork correctly," the seasoned coordinator explained. By focusing on these basics, Zimmer looks to tap into Smith's full potential. "He was trying to be an attacking three-technique to get up the field. ... 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 Versatility and Determination
Smith enters this new chapter with a clear mindset and a clean slate. "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," Smith remarked, underlining his versatility.
While his rookie year was a learning curve, Smith remains focused on controlling what he can. "It's not what I think he can be, it's what Mazi has to be," linebacker Micah Parsons stated. "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."
Smith's rookie season statistics might not glitter, but his resolute approach signals a shift. "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 explained, displaying his commitment to his personal journey.
Support and Expectations
Smith is not alone in his quest. Micah Parsons is rooting for him, highlighting the importance of Smith's development to the team. "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 emphasized.
The forthcoming season will be critical for Smith as he aims to solidify his role and impact on the Cowboys' defense. With Zimmer's strategic adjustments and the support of teammates like Parsons, Smith has the foundation to build upon his rookie year experiences and emerge as a key player for the Dallas Cowboys.