Twitter: DC Mike Zimmer on Mazi Smith

[Bullflop]

No question but what Mazi Smith is a work in progress but he's making strides to develop into a valuable DT. Coach Zimmer is handling him in ways that bring about better things in him. I think he'll eventually develop into a capable DT, given the time to develop, as he requires.

 

[ElGatoGrande]

Yeah, I think he has trouble at times locating the ball. It is a really under rated aspect of DL play. It is one reason that I’m so high on Kneeland. That guy is constantly watching the ball and not just getting caught up in fighting with the offensive lineman trying to block him.

It is the difference between just trying to win your 1-on-1 battle and playing football. Kneeland is always watching the ball and trying to work his way to the right spot. He understands what the offense is trying to do and works to stop it. It is a big reason that my expectations for Kneeland are so high.

Mazi sometimes just looks like he’s trying to work on the techniques the coaches are teaching him, but not really “playing football”, if that makes sense. I will say that Mazi looks like he’s doing that much less this season and is playing better. I’m just hoping that it all comes together for him this season. He has been much better.

I'm hopeful too,,, no doubt this step up in competition can be difficult but whatever his hurdle you'd think he would overcome it. This amount of struggle doesn't seem normal.

 

[pitt33]

Mazi late off the snap.

Bust.

He’ll be gone when his rookie contract is up.

Impossible to hit on every 1st rounder.

 

[LACowboysFan1]

Aaron Donald was a 3T and then later played DE in a 3-4. They are not the same type of player.

When I said Aaron Donald type I meant a disruptive force on the line that every team has to account for, not that he was the same position player. As Zim said, his job is to stack up the middle, Donald did that as well as rush the passer. Mazi was never a rush the passer DT, isn't now and never will be...

 

[FuzzyLumpkins]

I only mentioned that he wasn't a rookie because it seemed to me that a lack of confidence from a former #1 draft pick is something they would only experience as a rookie, unless...

Typically, a 1st round draft pick either picks it up immediately and becomes productive or it takes a year. You build the core of your team from mostly premium picks.

I'm concerned because, in the past 11 seasons, only one of the Cowboys 1st round picks failed to become a Pro Bowler during their rookie contract. We all know who he was and what became of him.

in fact, only two of the Cowboy's past 10 1st round picks failed to make a Pro Bowl by the end of their 2nd season. Michael Jenkins did eventually make a Pro Bowl in his 4th season and the other guy was Taco Charlton.

Then again, there is that rare occasion where, just when it seems a player is not going to get it, something inside of him clicks, and he turns it completely around. Perhaps Zimmer will be that catalyst. I'm just not as encouraged nor optimistic as you, I wish I was.

I just said he has gotten better. You cannot even acknowledge it.

I have not said anything about how he will be as he develops beyond wanting to see and how he is playing better right now. What optimism?

 

[RustyBourneHorse]

I love the way he broke that down. He's correct. The nose tackle isn't necessarily going to be your teams' superstar. His job is basically to be a trash can full of dirt that stops the run by clogging the middle. However, any additions he can make to the pass rush is gravy. Mazi did look better last week than at any point last season. That's a good sign of his development.

 

[plasticman]

I just said he has gotten better. You cannot even acknowledge it.

I have not said anything about how he will be as he develops beyond wanting to see and how he is playing better right now. What optimism?

Indeed I do acknowledge that you say he has gotten better.