BREAKING: Cowboys add to interior defensive line with Michigan DT Mazi Smith

The Dallas Cowboys struggled to defend the run last season and took another step in addressing the situation by drafting Michigan DT Mazi Smith. Smith has a tantalizing blend of size and athleticism, but his production on the college level did not match his physical gifts, so this pick will be looked upon as a reach by many as most draft pundits had Smith tabbed as a Day 2 pick.

Measurables: 6’3″/323 lbs

2022-23 Stats: 14 Games / 48 Tackles / 2.5 TFL / 0.5 Sacks

Reasons to Like:

• Possesses rare combination of size and athleticism
• Power to punch and lift blockers under his pads
• Yanks and pulls guards off-balance with ease
• Able to slide, swim and seize the gap.

Reasons to Dislike:

• Doesn’t make many plays behind the line of scrimmage
• Inconsistent motor
• Despite bulk, doesn’t always anchor well versus double teams
• Unlikely to see the field on passing downs

Smith’s blend of size and quickness is rare. He can punch and control a base block with relative ease. However, he struggles to match the initial movement of move blockers, which diminishes his effectiveness. He has space-eating potential but needs to become more consistent at taking on double teams and securing his gap. His play did not match his testing and measurables.