Mazi Smith's Rookie Season: A Journey of Adaptation and Growth
Mazi Smith's inaugural year with the Dallas Cowboys was characterized by a steep learning curve and unyielding effort. Drafted with high expectations, Smith played through all 17 regular-season games, demonstrating his commitment and resilience. Over the course of the season, he recorded 13 tackles, one sack, eight quarterback pressures, and three tackles for loss. However, Smith's limited participation in the NFC wild card round against the Green Bay Packers, logging just four snaps, illustrated the adjustments still required in his game.
Weight Concerns and Adaptation
During his college tenure at Michigan, Smith was listed at a massive 337 pounds. At the 2023 NFL Combine, he trimmed down to 323 pounds — a considerable reduction, but not quite ready for the transition required in the professional arena. Upon joining the Cowboys, Smith’s weight dipped even further below the 300-pound mark to fit into Defensive Coordinator Dan Quinn's agile defensive scheme. This weight loss brought its own challenges, as noted by Mike Zimmer, newly appointed as the Cowboys' defensive coordinator.
"Zimmer noted Smith lost a lot of weight when he joined the Cowboys and struggled last year," Zimmer remarked. The reasoning behind this tactical shift was clear: Smith needed to fit into a more attacking role. However, this adaptation wasn’t without its strains for the young player.
New Beginnings Under Mike Zimmer
With Mike Zimmer taking over the defensive reins, there is a noticeable shift in strategy. "Zimmer's plan is for Smith to play blocks more and use his hands and footwork correctly," said Zimmer. This indicates a return to fundamentals – a move that could be crucial for Smith’s development.
Smith himself echoed this sentiment, noting that he aims to play at a more substantial weight. "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 asserted, highlighting his willingness to adapt and grow under the new strategy.
Zimmer’s initial assessments and strategy adjustments underline the high stakes and expectations placed on Smith. "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.
Support from Team Leaders
Team leaders like Micah Parsons have shown unwavering support for Smith, emphasizing the importance of mental strength and readiness in professional football. "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, reflecting the unit’s confidence in Smith’s potential.
Despite a challenging rookie year, Smith remains optimistic and steadfast in his progression. "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 shared, showcasing his adaptability and versatility. Smith’s approach is one of continual learning and improvement, aiming to be the best version of himself. "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.
As the Cowboys eye the future, the collaborative efforts between Smith and the team's experienced coaching staff, coupled with the unwavering support from key players, point towards an exciting season ahead. Micah Parsons summed it up aptly: "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 journey is emblematic of the determination and adaptability required to excel at the highest levels of sport. With a fresh strategy and renewed confidence, Mazi Smith’s sophomore season holds promise for a breakthrough performance under the watchful guidance of Mike Zimmer and the Dallas Cowboys’ leadership.