money 5 things to know about Mazi Smith, Cowboys newest DT
The Cowboys have made it through two days of drafting, but there’s still a ton to focus on with University of Michigan defensive tackle Mazi Smith. Smith was a Top 30 visit, and immediately fills a long-time need along the defensive front. Player personnel exec Will McClay stated in Thursday’s post-draft press conference about the team’s desire to add physicality.
“When Mike (McCarthy) came in here, he talked about building a bigger, stronger, faster football team. We have continued to do that. And when you look at Mazi, teams run the football now and as you see things change, you look at our division, he’s a guy that can stop that, a guy that can add that value to our defense.”
The Cowboys have not selected a defensive tackle in the first round since they took Russel Maryland with the first pick in the 1991 draft, they believe Smith has the traits worth betting on at the position. Let’s get to know the player that has helped shift their philosophy.
No.1 player on Bruce Fieldman's Freak List
Smith was the top player on Bruce Fieldman’s annual Freak List. A list compiled to highlight the most impressive athletes in college football. Here is a blurb of the article:
”The 6-foot-3, 337-pound senior has rare power and agility. So rare, in fact, it’s hard to find the right superlative to begin with. But let’s start with this: Smith does 22 reps on the bench press, but that’s with 325 (not 225). He close-grip benched 550 pounds. He vertical-jumps 33 inches. He broad jumped 9-4 1/2. Smith, who had 37 tackles last season, has clocked a 4.41 shuttle time, which would’ve tied the best by any defensive tackle at this year’s NFL Scouting Combine, and it would’ve been better than any defensive tackle weighing 310 pounds or more in the past decade. His 6.95 3-cone time would’ve been by far the fastest among defensive tackles in Indianapolis. The fastest was 7.33. Smith’s 60-yard shuttle time is 11.90.
High School
Smith was a four-star prospect out of East Kentwood High School, earning all-state honors as a junior and helped lead East Kentwood to a nine-win season and an appearance in the state quarterfinals.
He was even better his senior season when he racked up 81 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, and three forced fumbles. He earned multiple all-state honors as well as a Under Armor All-American invite. Mazi was a two-sport athlete as he qualified for the state championship in track and field.
Mazi was the number No. 11 defensive tackle in the 2019 recruiting class and the No. 4 recruit in Michigan.
Jersey Number
Mazi Smith will be wearing No. 58 jersey when he suits up this year, its the same jersey number he wore at the University of Michigan.
“That 5️⃣8️⃣ continues.” – @mazismith #CowboysDraft@MillerLite #ItsMillerTime pic.twitter.com/mOJ1ToU82d
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) April 28, 2023
Collegiate Statistics
2019: Redshirted
2020: Five games played, three tackles, one tackle for loss
2021: 14 games played and 14 games started, 37 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, four passes defended. Honorable Mention All-BIG Ten.
2022: 14 games played, and 14 games started, 48 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, half a sack, one forced fumble. First Team All-BIG Ten, Team DPOY, Team Captain
Time in Ann Arbor
Smith graduated from Michigan with a degree in creative writing and wants to pursue a career in broadcasting when his playing days are over.
