Mazi Smith's Rookie Season: A Journey of Adaptation
For Mazi Smith, the rookie defensive tackle for the Dallas Cowboys, the 2023 season proved to be a vigorous test of adaptability, endurance, and growth. Transitioning from his collegiate career at the University of Michigan to the professional realm of the NFL demanded that Smith not only adjust his playing style but also his physical presence on the field.
Smith's rookie year saw him participate in all 17 regular-season games—a testament to his durability and commitment. Throughout those games, Smith recorded 13 tackles, one sack, eight quarterback pressures, and three tackles for loss. However, despite these contributions, his impact was minimal in the postseason, as he logged only four snaps in the NFC wild card round playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers.
Weight Adjustments and Scheme Fit
Smith's journey began with a significant physical transformation. During his college career in 2022, Smith was listed at 337 pounds. By the time he appeared at the 2023 NFL Combine, he had reduced his weight to 323 pounds in an effort to adapt to the defensive scheme orchestrated by Dan Quinn. However, to fit better within the Cowboys' system, Smith's weight dipped below 300 pounds, a change that appeared to impact his performance on the field.
"Zimmer noted Smith lost a lot of weight when he joined the Cowboys and struggled last year," said Mike Zimmer, who recently took over as the new defensive coordinator for the Cowboys. Recognizing the challenges Smith faced, Zimmer has a clear plan to allow him to return to a more substantial playing weight.
Smith himself acknowledged the rigorous journey he undertook to fit into the initial 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. See what that's doing for you. If you have to go up [more in weight], go up," Smith stated, detailing his commitment to mold himself as per the demands of the team.
New Defensive Horizons
With Zimmer at the helm, the vision for Smith's role within the defense is undergoing a strategic shift. "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 explained.
Under Zimmer's new defensive vision, Smith is expected to embrace a more substantial playing weight of 310-315 pounds. This weight would allow him to play blocks more effectively and utilize his hands and footwork correctly. "Zimmer's plan is for Smith to play blocks more and use his hands and footwork correctly," Zimmer affirmed, providing a clear strategic direction for Smith's growth and utilization on the field.
Team Support and Personal Drive
Smith's journey is not solitary; he has the support and belief of his teammates, especially from standout linebacker Micah Parsons. Parsons emphasized the necessity of Smith's performance, stating, "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."
Additionally, Parsons offered heartfelt support to Smith, illustrating the collective spirit within the Cowboys' locker room. "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," added Parsons, underscoring the belief in Smith’s potential to be a key player for the team.
Smith himself remains motivated and focused on his evolution. "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 noted, reflecting his adaptability and readiness to embrace the new defensive strategies.
Moving forward, Smith aims to make a significant mark. "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," he remarked, highlighting his ambition to carve out a distinguished career in the NFL.
As Mazi Smith prepares for the upcoming season, the combined efforts of a supportive team, strategic planning, and his own relentless drive set the stage for a promising future. The 2023 season may have been one of adaptation, but the seasons to follow hold the potential for impactful performances and significant contributions to the Dallas Cowboys' defense.