In his highly anticipated rookie season with the Dallas Cowboys, Mazi Smith faced a journey marked by adaptation, relentless effort, and notable challenges. Smith, who played all 17 regular-season games, recorded 13 tackles, one sack, eight quarterback pressures, and three tackles for loss during the 2023 season. However, his participation in the postseason was fleeting, logging a mere four snaps in the NFC wild card round playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers.
An Adjustment Period
Smith, originally listed at 337 pounds during his college career at Michigan in 2022, experienced substantial weight fluctuations upon joining the NFL. At the 2023 NFL Combine, Smith weighed 323 pounds but had to alter his physique further to fit into Cowboys Defensive Coordinator Dan Quinn’s scheme. His weight dipped below 300 pounds, a change that would prove to be challenging. "Zimmer noted Smith lost a lot of weight when he joined the Cowboys and struggled last year," recounted Mike Zimmer, the new defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys.
New Scheme, New Strategy
With Zimmer taking over, there's a fresh approach in place for Smith. Zimmer emphasized a strategy that would allow Smith to play at a more substantial weight, aiming for 310-315 pounds. "Zimmer's plan is for Smith to play blocks more and use his hands and footwork correctly," Zimmer detailed. This shift in strategy could be pivotal for Smith, given the struggles he faced with previous expectations. "He was trying to be an attacking three-technique to get up the field... 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 elaborated.
Smith's Perspective
Smith himself is pragmatic about the changes. "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. His approach to the upcoming season is not just about physical adjustments but also mental resilience. "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," he said, demonstrating his adaptability and readiness to meet diverse scheme requirements.
Teammates’ Confidence
Teammate Micah Parsons also voiced his expectations and confidence in Smith’s capabilities. "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. This confidence is crucial as the Cowboys look to maximize Smith’s potential. Parsons added, "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."
Looking Ahead
As Smith prepares for the upcoming season under Zimmer's guidance, there's a palpable sense of determination and promise. "I kind of go over there with a clean slate. I want to write my story," Smith asserted. "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." In the end, Smith’s journey is emblematic of the continuous evolution that professional athletes undergo. Adapting to new schemes, managing physical changes, and leveraging mental fortitude are all part of what defines an athlete's success. For Mazi Smith, the upcoming season is a new chapter, guided by a philosophy that blends professional diligence with personal resolve.