5 Starters Cowboys Should Already Be Scouting to Draft Replacements For

4. Mazi Smith, DT

Mazi Smith hasn't exactly lived up to expectations since he was drafted 26th overall in 2023. The former Michigan product's rookie campaign was abysmal due to a combination of a new scheme and being forced to lose a lot of weight, leaving the fanbase hopeful for a turnaround this season.

After only starting three games last year, Smith has started in all 12 of his appearances this time around. Unfortunately, his production hasn't been anything special. He's only managed to muster up 16 solo tackles and 0.5 sacks while carrying a 36.8 defense grade on Pro Football Focus — fourth-worst among 116 eligible interior defenders.

I will concede that Smith's play has improved in recent weeks. Four of the 23-year-old defender's five highest PFF run defense grades have come in the last four weeks, finishing with a mark no worse than 60.4. He's also recorded 10 total tackles during that stretch compared to the 12 he had in the eight previous games.

Even if his play has improved, replacing Smith should still be in the cards this offseason. His recent turnaround is a fairly small sample size, so there's no telling if it's all a mirage. There's also the fact that the Cowboys could fire Mike McCarthy and the 6-foot-3 DT might not fit the next head coach's scheme.

With his development not progressing as planned, it might be time to say goodbye to Smith this winter.