Drafted by Cowboys 1st Round - Pick 26 - DT Mazi Smith - (Michigan)

[ChuckA1]

Welcome to the Cowboys, Mazi.

 

[DannyWestwood]

Do NOT disappoint Micah!

 

[Jake]

Relying on what's left of Hankins is not enough in the middle. I have no problem with getting a big run-stuffer.

I'd much rather do that than spend a first round pick on a tight end.

 

[stilltheguru]

Michigan inflated his jump numbers alot lol but he's still a athletic big dude

 

[NeonNinja]

He is. He is in the 99th percentile for NT’s.

Yes, just posted his RAS.

 

[JW82]

Its a better younger hankins. Good pick

 

[unionjack8]

OK,

 

[J12B]

 

[DezTroy97]

What's our hit rate typically with defensive linemen? Could be wrong, but I think it's been one of the weaker position groups we've drafted.

 

[HungryLion]

Yes, just posted his RAS.

He is a freak athlete. Just like Tyler smith was last year.


Get the freak athlete and coach him up.

 

[VaqueroTD]

Not sure why anyone would compare him to Trystan Hill — bigger, stronger, and none of the lazy coach doghouse baggage.

I’m just glad he has a vet like Hankins there to mentor him because it sure as hell isn’t coming from the other DTs.

 

[Tabascocat]

I love it, Dallas was missing a run-stuffing nose tackle. Dallas was terrible last year on stopping the run and this will help a lot. Remember SF gashing them last season? This position was sorely needed

 

[BrAinPaiNt]

DT MAZI SMITH MICHIGAN​

Height: 6-3, Weight: 323
Smith is another one of my favorite players. He’s a power player who can hold up against the run, but I think he will be a better pass rusher than people expect. He just needs to keep his weight in check. (Pete Prisco)

A​

Draft Scouting Report:

Rating: 84.13 (Long-term starter)

Pro Comparison: Vita Vea

Accolades:

• 2022: Consensus first-team All-Big Ten
• 2022: Michigan Defensive Player of the Year

Summary:

Mazi Smith is one of the most athletic NTs to enter the NFL in a while. Not compact, but tall and wide. His flashes of pass-rush ability are outstanding; push-pull, arm over, straight bull rush all very solid, although he's not a bulldozer pushing the pocket. His leverage isn't great. He does adequate planting roots against doubles teams, but it's not a specialty. His run-stopping is mostly contingent upon him using his athleticism to get to the ball. He's not a tremendous block-shedder right now. However, he tracks down RBs very well for being a large NT. He won't be an every-down player in the NFL, but his physical profile and pass-rushing refinement make him a fun NT prospect.

Strengths:

• Tall, thick frame; unique for the NT spot
• Veteran-caliber pass-rush moves to win up the field
• Has the athleticism to get to RBs in close quarters, and has a large tackling radius

Weaknesses:

• Could get a tick stronger
• Leverage is very high for an inside rusher, which saps his power
• Not a tremendous block-shedder

Combine Results:

• Bench Press: 34 reps

 

[Kwyn]

If the Cowboys pick a guard in the second they would really be showing us something.

I’d love to see a trade up for Avila just because I don’t think he makes it to 58

 

[davey999]

Not sure why anyone would compare him to Trystan Hill — bigger, stronger, and none of the lazy coach doghouse baggage.

I’m just glad he has a vet like Hankins there to mentor him because it sure as hell isn’t coming from the other DTs.

Makes you wonder why they ever picked Hill.

 

[Verdammung]

With this pick at NT, they Cowboys can look to address some of their biggest needs, like finding a NT. On the bright side, I've had two bourbons tonight.

 

[Concord]

I immediately thought of Taco.
God I really hope I'm so very wrong.
Xichigan players want to make me vomit.
Lol

 

[ChuckA1]

Excellent pick. I'm excited

 

[Proof]

the reality is (as i see it) we have talent at every single position with the exception of DT. and now we have it there too

 

[kevm3]

Looked at his footage... initially thought he was going to be a Taco, but he actually looks like he's aggressive.

Not mad at this pick. I'll give Dan Quinn some leeway here to be able to get this guy on point

The one thing I DO like about this pick is that it shows that whatever is going on in the front office is changing. We're actually trying to build a team instead of just slamming a punch of high visibility players together. DT has been neglected for how long here? And we finally went out and drafted one high.

I think they are really prepared to give Dan Quinn the reins if McCarthy doesn't get us to or win us a SB this year.