Cowboys Claim 2023 Bust is Turning Things Around at Training Camp
Dallas Cowboys fans were filled with hope when the franchise selected defensive tackle Mazi Smith with the 2023 NFL Draft's No. 26 pick. The former Michigan defender appeared to have the perfect combination of size and tools to succeed in the league after a strong career with the Wolverines that included 2022 first-team All-Big Ten honors.
But as bright as his outlook appeared, Smith's rookie campaign didn't go as planned. Between significant weight loss and being put in roles that didn't emphasize his strengths, the Southfield, MI native finished the 2023 season as one of the more disappointing Cowboys performers, leaving time to tell if he could turn things around in Year 2.
If the latest reports out of Dallas are anything to go by, it looks like a bounce-back season is in the cards.
Cowboys Training Camp: Mike McCarthy Impressed by Mazi Smith
Following Monday's training camp practice, Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy had nothing but praise for Smith. McCarthy has been impressed by the second-year pro's work ethic this summer, stating that Smith is "trending where he needs to go" and "getting better" with each passing practice, per The Athletic's Jon Machota.
Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy said DT Mazi Smith has had some of his best practices recently. "He had a long, long rookie year, but it's not uncommon, especially when guys get injured and you miss so much. He's a guy that had a setback and he's done the work in the offseason. He's…
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 5, 2024
McCarthy added that defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer's system will better suit the former first-rounder.
When Dan Quinn was the DC last year, Smith was often put in three-technique situations where he'd be forced to go on the attack — a role that's usually reserved for smaller defensive linemen. After that strategy didn't work, the ex-Wolverine will stay back more often to help clog gaps, which is an area where he excelled during his collegiate career.
"[Smith] needs to own those A-gaps, then he definitely has the ability to go out there and play some (3-technique). But that's what he was drafted for. This system obviously heightens that more than the last system."
- HC Mike McCarthy
Despite being a top-32 selection, Smith only played 304 defensive snaps across 17 games (3 starts) as a rookie. Unsurprisingly, the minimal opportunities resulted in less-than-stellar production as the 23-year-old finished his rookie year with nine solo tackles (including two misses) and one sack.
If that wasn't bad enough, Smith's 31.8 run defense grade ranked seventh-worst among 138 eligible interior defenders last season, per Pro Football Focus. Again, that had a lot to do with Quinn forcing the up-and-coming defender into unfavorable situations.
Fortunately, the Cowboys were proactive about Smith's issues. They could've done more to convince Quinn to return, but they instead brought in Zimmer, who'll likely bring out the best in the sophomore's strengths. They've also encouraged him to regain his weight to the point where he was listed at 328 pounds in May, which is closer to his draft weight.
With a strong defensive line that also includes the likes of Micah Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence, and Osa Odighizuwa, Smith is in a great spot to succeed in Year 2. If everyone does their part and lives up to the coaching staff's expectations, Dallas' defense could be even more threatening than it has been in past years.
Additionally, a strong rebound performance from Smith would also give the franchise's championship outlook a boost. The Cowboys currently head into Week 1 of the NFL preseason tied for the ninth-best Super Bowl LIX odds (+1800) on FanDuel Sportsbook.
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