Mazi Smith's Rookie Adaptation: A Tale of Transition and Potential
The rookie year is often a whirlwind for any NFL player, and for Mazi Smith, his first season with the Dallas Cowboys was no exception. Smith faced numerous challenges as he transitioned from college football at Michigan to the professional league. Despite the steep learning curve, his relentless effort and adaptability were evident throughout the 2023 season.
Stepping onto the NFL Stage
Smith's rookie season saw him play in all 17 regular-season games, an impressive feat that speaks volumes about his durability and commitment. Over the course of the season, Smith recorded 13 tackles, one sack, eight quarterback pressures, and three tackles for loss. While these stats may not jump off the page, they underscore a solid foundation upon which he can build his career.
However, the postseason proved to be a stark contrast for Smith. In the NFC wild card round playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers, he logged a mere four snaps. This limited participation highlighted the areas in which Smith needs to grow and adapt further to make a significant impact on the Cowboys' defense.
Weight Management and Scheme Adjustments
One of the key challenges Smith faced was his weight management. During his college career at Michigan, Smith was listed at 337 pounds. By the time of the 2023 NFL Combine, he had slimmed down to 323 pounds to fit into the Cowboys' defensive scheme under Dan Quinn. As the season progressed, his weight further dipped below 300 pounds.
Mike Zimmer's arrival as the new defensive coordinator marks a pivotal moment in Smith's career. Zimmer plans to allow Smith to return to a more substantial playing weight, somewhere between 310 and 315 pounds. This adjustment aligns with Zimmer's vision for Smith to play blocks more effectively and use his hands and footwork correctly.
“Zimmer noted Smith lost a lot of weight when he joined the Cowboys and struggled last year,” said Zimmer, emphasizing the need for Smith to find the right balance in terms of weight and technique. “Zimmer's plan is for Smith to play blocks more and use his hands and footwork correctly.”
Smith himself is on board with this new approach. “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 remarked, showing his determination to adapt and excel under Zimmer’s guidance.
The Basics and the Future
Zimmer has a clear strategy for Smith's development. “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. This back-to-basics approach aims to harness Smith’s raw potential and refine it into a formidable presence on the field.
Micah Parsons, a cornerstone of the Cowboys' defense, expressed strong support for Smith. “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, showcasing the high expectations held for Smith.
Smith's versatility and strength are his prime assets. “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 noted. This adaptability will be crucial as he continues to find his footing in the Cowboys' defensive scheme.
A New Chapter
Looking ahead, Smith is eager to carve out his own path 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 declared, signaling his commitment to personal and professional growth.
Parsons echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of mindset and consistent effort. “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 stressed.
Mazi Smith's journey is just beginning. With a new defensive coordinator, a revised approach to his weight and technique, and unwavering support from his teammates, the foundation is set for a promising future in Dallas. The upcoming seasons will reveal how Smith's hard work and adjustments translate into on-field success, potentially transforming him into a key component of the Cowboys' defense.