In his rookie year with the Dallas Cowboys, Mazi Smith experienced the relentless rigors and adaptation required at the professional level. Smith's journey, marked by intense physical transformation and strategic adjustments, paints a vivid picture of a young player striving to find his footing in the NFL.
Rookie Struggles and Weight Adjustments
Smith's debut season saw him participate in all 17 regular-season games. His sheer presence on the field was a testament to his endurance, yet his statistical output—13 tackles, one sack, eight quarterback pressures, and three tackles for loss—reflects a player still finding his rhythm.
One significant challenge Smith faced was adapting to a weight management regime aimed at fitting him into Dan Quinn's defensive scheme. Listed at a hefty 337 pounds during his college career at Michigan, Smith trimmed down to 323 pounds for the 2023 NFL Combine, even dipping below 300 pounds during the season.
However, this weight loss posed unexpected challenges. "Zimmer noted Smith lost a lot of weight when he joined the Cowboys and struggled last year," revealed new defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer. Under Zimmer's direction, there is a plan to allow Smith to return to a more substantial playing weight, ideally between 310-315 pounds, to enhance his performance on the field.
Smith echoed this sentiment, stating, "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."
Building Basics and Defensive Strategy
Zimmer's approach to Smith's development involves returning to foundational techniques. "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.
The emphasis on playing the blocks more effectively and refining hand and footwork is central to Zimmer's strategy. This back-to-basics approach aims not only to heighten Smith's immediate impact but also to build a robust foundation for his professional career.
A Teammate's Confidence
Smith's teammate, Micah Parsons, resonates confidence and support for the young player. "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 asserted. His belief in Smith's potential underscores the high expectations placed on the rookie.
Parsons also stressed the importance of mindset and determination in Smith's development. "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 Personal Philosophy
For Smith, the journey is as much about personal growth as it is about professional achievement. "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, reflecting on his versatility and innate abilities.
Looking at the future, Smith wants to define his journey on his terms. "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," he added, emphasizing a commitment to his personal and professional standards.
Conclusion
The narrative of Mazi Smith's rookie year is one of adaptation, learning, and incremental progress. As he enters the next season with strategic weight adjustments and refined techniques, supported by both his coaches and teammates, Smith has the foundations in place to become a formidable force for the Dallas Cowboys. The upcoming season will be a crucial chapter in Smith's career, as he strives to transition from a struggling rookie to a dominant defensive presence.