Mazi Smith Possible Target in Round 1 or 2?

[Pass2Run]

Even after acquiring Hankins last year, the mantra going into the offseason has been to draft a run stuffing defensive tackle. A few have talked about Mazi Smith fitting that bill here in the draft zone. The more I look at his tape, the more I see a similar player to Hankins, about the same size and style to his game. Having both Smith and Hankins could really help the run game.

Some have recently written about us drafting him in the 1st, and that might be a bit too high for some. I'm not sure Mazi Smith would make it to our pick in the 2nd round. But if he does, I would definitely consider would drafting him there. Smith reminds me of a defensive version of Tyler Smith.

Pros
He reportedly has an excellent work ethic, and also fits the proverbial "right kind of guy" mold of player we've been targeting over the past couple of years. A player like him is very likely to help shore up the run game.

Cons
Very likely will remain a two-down player only, which is why it makes more sense to have him listed as a 2nd round target.

Anyone have an argument for or against Smith in the 1st or 2nd rounds?

 

[btcutter]

Dallas will NEVER select a 2 down DL in the 1st round. Probably not even in the first 3 rounds.

 

[rambo2]

Dallas will NEVER select a 2 down DL in the 1st round. Probably not even in the first 3 rounds.

There isn't a dtackle that is worth the risk at 26. They have to hit on the pick and get a very good player at 26.

 

[Pass2Run]

There isn't a dtackle that is worth the risk at 26. They have to hit on the pick and get a very good player at 26.

I agree. That's why, as of now, I think it's Torrence. JMO. If Torrence is there, they take him. If not, maybe WR or RB. But the fact of the matter is, RBs are available later on while WR pickings starts to get slim.

 

[beware_d-ware]

If he incinerates the Combine, he'll move into our 1st round talk. A Dontari Poe, Jordan Davis type workout is within his range of outcomes.

I don't like his tape at all. In his defense, Michigan asked him to read the guard and had him leave his stance a beat late every snap. It's hard to put up big numbers in that situation. But once he was off the line, he usually didn't do anything besides stand tall and play paddy-cake with guards. Gervon Dexter was also guard reading, and was a lot more impactful in the same situation.

At the very worst case, Mazi can still run stuff... he is 337 lbs and strong as all hell. But he doesn't strike me as a high effort player, and his pass rushing is basically all projection right now. There's a real chance he'll just be a Carlos Watkins-ish replacement level NT.

I'll also say that his felony weapons charges don't bother me at all. More NFL players pack guns than don't, and Mazi wasn't posing a threat to anyone. So while keeping an illegal pistol in his car at age 20 doesn't speak to a wonderful and safe upbringing, his judgement isn't anything outside of the football norm.

 

[rambo2]

I agree. That's why, as of now, I think it's Torrence. JMO. If Torrence is there, they take him. If not, maybe WR or RB. But the fact of the matter is, RBs are available later on while WR pickings starts to get slim.

I don't think they will take Torrence. They could take Schmitz, Diggs, Mayer,corner, wide receiver, Sanders, or edge rusher. It's wide open.

 

[cnuball21]

Heck no to round 1. He’s a better athlete than football player right now. He’s going to blow up the combine and everyone is going to freak out and he’ll get overdrafted just like Davis did.

 

[Cowboyny]

Expect to see another day 3 NT drafted, they won't draft a 2 down player in the 1st 2 days.

 

[xwalker]

Even after acquiring Hankins last year, the mantra going into the offseason has been to draft a run stuffing defensive tackle. A few have talked about Mazi Smith fitting that bill here in the draft zone. The more I look at his tape, the more I see a similar player to Hankins, about the same size and style to his game. Having both Smith and Hankins could really help the run game.

Some have recently written about us drafting him in the 1st, and that might be a bit too high for some. I'm not sure Mazi Smith would make it to our pick in the 2nd round. But if he does, I would definitely consider would drafting him there. Smith reminds me of a defensive version of Tyler Smith.

Pros
He reportedly has an excellent work ethic, and also fits the proverbial "right kind of guy" mold of player we've been targeting over the past couple of years. A player like him is very likely to help shore up the run game.

Cons
Very likely will remain a two-down player only, which is why it makes more sense to have him listed as a 2nd round target.

Anyone have an argument for or against Smith in the 1st or 2nd rounds?

Not a 1st rounder. Two down DTs rarely if ever are 1st rounders in the modern era.

 

[reddyuta]

He has half a sack,thats right .it is really hard to do that in college football when QBs just run into your lap sometimes.i wouldnt touch this guy in the until the 3rd rd.

 

[Mr_437]

I'll think about Mazi and other NT types once I see the Cowboys interview those players. I'd love for them to draft a big guy to protect the LBs and provide an anchor, but the FO doesn't.

 

[stilltheguru]

I'll think about Mazi and other NT types once I see the Cowboys interview those players. I'd love for them to draft a big guy to protect the LBs and provide an anchor, but the FO doesn't.

Draft mazi and sign Tomlinson and I'll take the lumps for the reach lol we have to fix the softness up the middle somehow

 

[My3Sons]

If he incinerates the Combine, he'll move into our 1st round talk. A Dontari Poe, Jordan Davis type workout is within his range of outcomes.

I don't like his tape at all. In his defense, Michigan asked him to read the guard and had him leave his stance a beat late every snap. It's hard to put up big numbers in that situation. But once he was off the line, he usually didn't do anything besides stand tall and play paddy-cake with guards. Gervon Dexter was also guard reading, and was a lot more impactful in the same situation.

At the very worst case, Mazi can still run stuff... he is 337 lbs and strong as all hell. But he doesn't strike me as a high effort player, and his pass rushing is basically all projection right now. There's a real chance he'll just be a Carlos Watkins-ish replacement level NT.

I'll also say that his felony weapons charges don't bother me at all. More NFL players pack guns than don't, and Mazi wasn't posing a threat to anyone. So while keeping an illegal pistol in his car at age 20 doesn't speak to a wonderful and safe upbringing, his judgement isn't anything outside of the football norm.

Not to mention, Jim Harbaugh gave glowing reviews on Taco Charlton before his draft. Does JJ still trust them after they made a buffoon of him last time?

 

[Mr_437]

Draft mazi and sign Tomlinson and I'll take the lumps for the reach lol we have to fix the softness up the middle somehow

I love that approach because it protects the Superstar of the team #11. Need the FO to see the light.

 

[raven55]

jimmy johnson did but that's when we actually had some one in control that new how to build a team. dumb and dumber couldn't built a leggo set much less a winning football team so lay back and chill because after 27 years what DOES IT matter. yes jimmy johnson drafted a defensive lineman in the first round

 

[CCBoy]

Not a 1st rounder. Two down DTs rarely if ever are 1st rounders in the modern era.

Not until the Red Zone is reached do odds changed from the real norm now, of packages on the field in defense. But speciaty strength and rotational groups can still play relevant usages in selections as well. Future here can still have a dominant place on the Cowboys scout and coaching directions.

 

[Pass2Run]

I don't think they will take Torrence. They could take Schmitz, Diggs, Mayer,corner, wide receiver, Sanders, or edge rusher. It's wide open.

Man, I really like Torrence though. He's an IOL guy for sure. But we need a LG more than any other position.

That said, the draft is pretty deep as far as IOL goes imo.

I can see them getting some value picks there later on.

 

[rambo2]

Man, I really like Torrence though. He's an IOL guy for sure. But we need a LG more than any other position.

That said, the draft is pretty deep as far as IOL goes imo.

I can see them getting some value picks there later on.

Schmitz would be a better left guard than Torrence in my opinion.

 

[kskboys]

There isn't a dtackle that is worth the risk at 26. They have to hit on the pick and get a very good player at 26.

Why not? There have been many in the past.

 

[kskboys]

jimmy johnson did but that's when we actually had some one in control that new how to build a team. dumb and dumber couldn't built a leggo set much less a winning football team so lay back and chill because after 27 years what DOES IT matter. yes jimmy johnson drafted a defensive lineman in the first round

1st pick in the draft!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!