Mazi Smith Still Working His Way Back From Shoulder Surgery
Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Mazi Smith (shoulder) is still working his way back from a shoulder problem that bothered him during his rookie season which forced him to have surgery at the beginning of the offseason. "He's still in the rehab group," McCarthy said. "Working primarily with our rehab guys. He's still in our meetings and everything else." The 22-year-old former 26th overall pick last year out of Michigan played in all 17 regular-season games (three starts) in his first NFL season in 2023 and finished with just 13 tackles (nine solo), one sack, three tackles for loss and three QB hits. The hope is that Smith is much more effective in his sophomore campaign after getting his shoulder fixed. The Cowboys hope that he'll be a force on the interior of their defensive line in 2024.
Mazi Smith Recovering From Surgery, Expected To Be Ready For Camp
Dallas Cowboys nose tackle Mazi Smith (shoulder) carried a four- to six-month timetable after having shoulder surgery shortly after last season, but he is expected to be ready for training camp this summer. As long as Smith doesn't encounter any setbacks as he rehabs his shoulder this offseason, the 22-year-old should be ready for training camp at the end of the July and for the start of the 2024 season. After being taken 26th overall in the first round last year out of Michigan, Smith played in all 17 regular-season games (three starts) and recorded only 13 tackles (nine solo) and one sack in a depth role. He could carve out a bigger role on the interior of Dallas' defensive line in Year 2, but Smith isn't going to be on the fantasy radar in IDP leagues.
Dallas Cowboys first-round rookie defensive tackle Mazi Smith (knee) underwent an MRI exam on Tuesday after having dealt with knee discomfort in training camp. "He's fine," said a person familiar with the situation. Smith might miss some more time in camp this summer until he feels better, but the 22-year-old still has plenty of time to get ready for the start of the regular season. The 26th overall selection in this year's draft was selected with hopes that he can immediately improve Dallas' poor run defense up the middle. Smith is big and athletic and can also help rush the passer. He should be starting right away on the Cowboys' defensive line in 2023.
Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman Mazi Smith (knee) is not practicing on Tuesday. The 2023 first-round pick is dealing with tendinitis and is getting a precautionary MRI on his knee. The Michigan product earned First-Team All-Big-10 honors in 2022 after totaling 48 tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss. He's expected to be a high-end run-stuffer immediately for Dallas, assuming his knee checks out and he's good to go for the regular season. Until we have further updates, he can be considered day-to-day.
The Dallas Cowboys signed first-round defensive tackle Mazi Smith to his four-year rookie deal on Thursday. The contract comes with a fifth-year option. In addition to Smith, the Cowboys signed all of the rookie draft picks, including Luke Schoonmaker, DeMarvion Overshown, Junior Fehoko, Asim Richards, Eric Scott Jr., Deuce Vaughn and Jalen Brooks. Dallas opens their rookie minicamp on Friday. Smith brings plenty of power to the middle of the Cowboys' defensive line at 6-foot-3, 323 pounds, and he should immediately make the Dallas D better at stopping the run. The 21-year-old is still very raw, though, so he'll need to be coached up at the next level to reach his true ceiling as a hog molly on the interior of the defense.
Mazi Smith Could Be A Force In The Middle Immediately
The Dallas Cowboys took defensive tackle Mazi Smith in the first round of this year's NFL draft, and Smith should instantly improve the team's below-average run defense. The Cowboys also think he can eventually contribute more pass rush than he showed in college, but at the very least he should be a force in the middle on early downs in his rookie season in 2023. The combination of Smith and veteran Osa Odighizuwa will allow Dallas to have a quality defensive-tackle duo to play together for a while. Smith was the team's first defensive tackle taken in the first round since Russell Maryland and Kelvin Pritchett in 1991.
The Dallas Cowboys selected University of Michigan defensive tackle Mazi Smith with the No. 26 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft on Thursday night. Many people expected the Cowboys to go with a tight end with their first-round selection, but they pivoted after the Bills traded up in front of them to take Utah's Dalton Kincaid. Smith is a large human at 6-foot-3, 323 pounds, and will bring a physical presence to the interior of Dallas' defensive line in 2023 and beyond. While he's strong, he's also raw, so he'll need to be coached up on his technique if he's to become anything more than a big run-stopper for the Cowboys. Smith also only has two years of starting experience in college, so there is room for improvement.
