In his rookie year with the Dallas Cowboys, Mazi Smith faced a season marked by adaptation and relentless effort. Transitioning from his college career at Michigan, where he weighed in at a solid 337 pounds, Smith showcased his resilience and commitment as he adjusted to the professional level.
A Season of Milestones and Challenges
Smith played all 17 regular-season games in his debut season, recording 13 tackles, one sack, eight quarterback pressures, and three tackles for loss in the 2023 season. However, the season's end saw him logging only four snaps in a heart-wrenching NFC wild card round playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers.
Throughout the year, Smith's weight became a focal point of his adaptation process. He weighed 323 pounds at the 2023 NFL Combine, but to fit into defensive coordinator Dan Quinn's scheme, he dropped below 300 pounds. Despite the effort, the transition proved challenging. "Zimmer noted Smith lost a lot of weight when he joined the Cowboys and struggled last year," echoed new defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer.
A New Scheme, A New Weight
With Zimmer stepping in as the new defensive coordinator, Smith's prospects are poised for a significant shift. Zimmer plans to allow Smith to return to a more substantial playing weight, intending for him to operate within a range of 310-315 pounds. Mazi Smith himself acknowledged the importance of this change in the scheme. "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 [in weight], go up," he remarked.
Zimmer’s vision for Smith goes beyond weight adjustments. He aims to refine Smith's fundamentals to maximize his impact on the field. "Zimmer's plan is for Smith to play blocks more and use his hands and footwork correctly," Zimmer explained. This approach is expected to help Smith transition from a role as an attacking three-technique to a more balanced and versatile defensive presence.
Micah Parsons' Confidence and Support
Linebacker Micah Parsons has expressed strong confidence and support for Smith, recognizing the importance of his development to the team's success. "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 emphatically.
Parsons' belief in Smith underscores the potential that many within the organization see in the young player. "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 added.
Mazi Smith's Determination
Smith is determined to meet and exceed the expectations placed upon him. Reflecting on his journey and versatility, Smith shared, "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." His flexibility and broad skill set are assets that the Cowboys are eager to harness under the new defensive strategy.
As Smith looks ahead to his career with the Cowboys, he remains focused on self-improvement and making the most of his opportunities. "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 concluded.
The combination of Smith’s dedication, Zimmer’s strategic adjustments, and the unwavering support from teammates like Parsons sets the stage for a pivotal year. The 2024 season will be crucial for Mazi Smith as he seeks to establish himself as a formidable force on the Cowboys' defensive line and fulfill the high expectations of his team and fans alike.