Mazi Smith's Formative Year and the Path Forward Under Mike Zimmer
In his rookie year with the Dallas Cowboys, Mazi Smith faced rigorous challenges and a steep learning curve. Transitioning from his collegiate dominance at the University of Michigan, where he weighed in at a hefty 337 pounds, to the more nuanced schematics of Dan Quinn’s defense brought significant changes.
Smith played all 17 regular-season games in the 2023 season, amassing 13 tackles, one sack, eight quarterback pressures, and three tackles for loss. However, his impact was muted in the playoffs, playing only four snaps during the Cowboys' NFC wild-card round loss to the Green Bay Packers. Much of his struggle was attributed to the substantial weight loss he underwent to fit Quinn's scheme, dropping below 300 pounds by the NFL Combine in 2023 where he weighed in at 323 pounds.
With a new season comes new opportunities and adjustments. Mike Zimmer, the freshly appointed defensive coordinator for the Cowboys, has different plans for Smith. "Zimmer noted Smith lost a lot of weight when he joined the Cowboys and struggled last year," he observed, marking a direct line to one of Smith’s challenges in his inaugural NFL season.
Zimmer’s strategy is straightforward but firm: allow Smith to bulk back up to a more manageable weight and refine his fundamentals. "Zimmer's plan is for Smith to play blocks more and use his hands and footwork correctly," added the veteran coach, emphasizing a back-to-basics approach. Accordingly, Smith plans to adjust his weight to a steadier 310-315 pounds to better fit this new 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," said Smith, reflecting his determination to adapt and thrive.
Zimmer’s confidence in Smith isn’t without basis. He sees the untapped potential in the young defensive player. "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 outlined.
Smith’s forward-thinking mentality aligns well with the new defensive 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," Smith stated, underscoring his versatility. As he steps into his second year, Smith's outlook is one of adaptability and resilience, "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 added, focusing on personal growth over accolades.
Teammate Micah Parsons expressed unwavering support for Smith, highlighting the necessity of Smith’s development for 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 asserted, underscoring the high expectations on Smith’s shoulders.
Parsons’ sentiments resonate with the coaching staff’s strategy. "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 continued, articulating the potential for greatness that lies within Smith.
As the Dallas Cowboys gear up for the new season, all eyes will be on Mazi Smith. His adaptation to the new playing weight and defensive scheme will be critical. With the guidance of experienced coaches and the backing of supportive teammates like Parsons, Smith’s journey to becoming a cornerstone of the Cowboys' defense appears well within reach.