Mazi Smith's rookie year with the Dallas Cowboys was marked by adaptation and relentless effort as the defensive tackle navigated the challenging waters of the NFL. The young player's journey, filled with weight adjustments and positional tweaks, offers a compelling glimpse into the mechanics of player development at the professional level.
A Season of Transition
Smith's first year in the league saw him take the field in all 17 regular-season games, recording a modest stat line of 13 tackles, one sack, eight quarterback pressures, and three tackles for loss in the 2023 season. His contribution was pivotal yet understated, as reflected by his limited playing time in critical moments—he logged only four snaps in the NFC wild card round playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers.
Entering the NFL from Michigan, Smith carried a substantial frame, weighing 337 pounds in 2022. However, at the 2023 NFL Combine, he had trimmed down to 323 pounds, eventually dipping below 300 pounds to fit into then-defensive coordinator Dan Quinn’s system. The weight loss was a strategic move, but it came with its challenges.
Adjustments Under Zimmer
With Mike Zimmer stepping in as the new defensive coordinator for the Cowboys, a shift in strategy is on the horizon. Zimmer's approach deviates from Quinn’s, allowing Smith to return to a more substantial playing weight. The veteran coach has openly discussed the young player's struggles and his plans for revitalization.
"Zimmer noted Smith lost a lot of weight when he joined the Cowboys and struggled last year," Zimmer said, emphasizing a return to basics for Smith. "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 response to this new direction has been positive and pragmatic. "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," he said, highlighting his openness to adjusting his physicality to fit the new scheme. He echoed Zimmer's sentiments about playing blocks more and refining his technique. “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."
Supporting Cast and Future Prospects
One of Smith’s staunchest supporters within the team is standout linebacker Micah Parsons. "It's not what I think he can be, it's what Mazi has to be," Parsons said. "We drafted him to be in the game. That's how much confidence I have."
Parsons acknowledges the challenges but remains optimistic about Smith's potential. "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," he added, underscoring the high expectations placed upon Smith.
Smith himself is adopting a reflective yet ambitious mindset as he steps into this new phase. "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."
As the Cowboys gear up for the next season, all eyes will be on Smith’s development under Zimmer’s guidance. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether this highly-touted draft pick can transform potential into performance, embodying the force his coaches and teammates believe he can be.
Smith's journey, replete with weight fluctuations, tactical shifts, and ardent support from team leaders, illustrates the complex road rookies often travel in the NFL. With Zimmer’s recalibrated approach and Parsons' unyielding support, the Cowboys' defensive scheme could very well see Smith rise to the formidable presence they envisioned when drafting him.