In his rookie year with the Dallas Cowboys, Mazi Smith experienced a season characterized by adaptation and unyielding effort. Joining the ranks of the NFL, Smith faced the daunting challenge of living up to the hype of a high draft pick, while simultaneously fitting into a new defensive scheme. Playing all 17 regular-season games, Smith recorded modest statistics with 13 tackles, one sack, eight quarterback pressures, and three tackles for loss in the 2023 season. However, his limited contributions in the NFC wild card round playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers, where he logged just four snaps, highlighted areas for improvement.
Weight Management and Scheme Adaptation
Coming out of Michigan, Smith weighed in at a substantial 337 pounds in 2022. However, at the 2023 NFL Combine, he had trimmed down to 323 pounds. In an effort to fit into Dan Quinn's defensive scheme, Smith's weight dipped below 300 pounds, a significant reduction that, according to new defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, may have hindered his performance. Zimmer noted, "He lost a lot of weight when he joined the Cowboys and struggled last year." Understanding the need for Smith to perform at his best, Zimmer now plans to allow Smith to return to a more substantial playing weight.
Smith himself acknowledged the adjustment period, explaining, "I did everything I was supposed to do and did nothing but train. Everything in my power. Control the controllables.” He further elaborated on his weight goals, saying, "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." This deliberate approach signifies Smith's commitment to optimizing his physical condition to meet the demands of Zimmer’s system.
Zimmer’s Vision for Smith
Zimmer's vision for Smith involves fundamental improvements in technique. "Zimmer's plan is for Smith to play blocks more and use his hands and footwork correctly," noted the coach. Elaborating on this, Zimmer stated, "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." This back-to-basics approach underscores Zimmer's strategy to build a solid foundation for Smith’s development.
Team Confidence and Support
A key highlight of Smith's journey is the unwavering support from his teammates. Star linebacker Micah Parsons expressed his belief in Smith's potential, saying, "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' assertion reflects the high expectations the team has for Smith and the belief that he can meet those expectations.
Parsons further emphasized the importance of Smith's role, stating, "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." This endorsement from a respected player like Parsons adds an additional layer of responsibility and motivation for Smith.
Smith's Resolve
For Smith, the coming season is an opportunity to reset and redefine his story. Reflecting on his career, he shared, "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." This versatility is a crucial asset as he navigates the changes under Zimmer's guidance.
Embracing a clean slate, Smith commented, "I kind of go over there with a clean slate. I want to write my story. I don't really set goals. Everybody wants to be an All-Pro. Everybody wants to be top five. I want to be the best me I can be." His focus on personal bests rather than external benchmarks signifies a mature, process-oriented approach to his development.
As the Dallas Cowboys gear up for the new season, the spotlight will be on Mazi Smith to see how he adapts and thrives under Mike Zimmer's tutelage. With the right balance of weight, technique, and unwavering support from his team, Smith aims to transform potential into performance, becoming a pivotal force in the Cowboys' defense.