The Rookie Year: A Season of Challenges and Growth
In his rookie season with the Dallas Cowboys, Mazi Smith faced a significant period of adaptation. Transitioning from his college career at Michigan, where he was listed at 337 pounds, Smith found himself needing to adjust in more ways than one. His 2023 season statistics showcase his relentless effort: 13 tackles, one sack, eight quarterback pressures, and three tackles for loss. Despite these contributions, Smith logged only four snaps in the NFC wild card round playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers.
As Smith navigated his rookie year, weight management became a critical part of his journey. Weighing 323 pounds at the 2023 NFL Combine, he eventually dropped below 300 pounds to align with Dan Quinn's defensive 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 reflected.
Smith's Struggles and Adaptation
Smith's first year wasn't just a struggle against weight adjustments but also a battle to fit into a new role. "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," said Mike Zimmer, the newly appointed defensive coordinator for the Cowboys.
Zimmer's insight into Smith's struggles shines a light on the larger issues the rookie faced. "Zimmer noted Smith lost a lot of weight when he joined the Cowboys and struggled last year," Zimmer added, emphasizing the significant impact these changes had on Smith's performance.
A New Direction Under Mike Zimmer
The arrival of Mike Zimmer marks a new chapter not just for the Cowboys' defense but also for Mazi Smith. Zimmer envisions Smith returning to a more substantial playing weight, around 310-315 pounds, which suits his play style better and allows him to be more effective on the field. "Zimmer's plan is for Smith to play blocks more and use his hands and footwork correctly," as Zimmer pointed out, underscores the tailored approach he plans to implement.
Smith's own aspirations align with Zimmer's vision. “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. He is determined to leverage his versatility to excel under Zimmer's guidance.
Confidence from Teammates
Smith's journey hasn't gone unnoticed by his teammates, particularly star linebacker Micah Parsons. "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 said. His confidence in Smith is not just professional but personal, as Parsons expressed, "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."
Smith's Clean Slate
Smith views this as a new beginning, a chance to rewrite his narrative in the NFL. "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 stated. This mindset underscores Smith's determination to exceed expectations and become a pivotal player for the Cowboys.
With a solid support system and a clear plan under Mike Zimmer, Mazi Smith is poised for a breakthrough. The upcoming seasons will be crucial as he works to fulfill his potential and silence any doubts about his place in the Cowboys' defense. The combination of Smith’s raw talent, Parsons’ unwavering support, and Zimmer’s strategic plan sets the stage for an exciting evolution in Smith’s NFL career.