Mazi Smith showing both good and bad in Cowboys training camp

To say the pressure is on Mazi Smith in training camp this summer, is a bit of an understatement. The Cowboys first-round pick in 2023 is coming off a massively disappointing rookie campaign. The Michigan defensive tackle logged the lowest number of defensive snaps for a Dallas first-round rookie since Bobby Carpenter back in 2006.

After doing very little to address the position in free agency and the draft, the Cowboys have painted themselves into a corner with Smith. Despite grading as one of the worst DTs in the NFL last year, Dallas has essentially handed a starting job over to the second-year player. The 23-year-old finds himself penciled in at the 1-technique spot next to Osa Odighizuwa, sparking a “Smith or bust” mentality in Cowboys Country.

Not surprisingly, Smith’s training camp has offered some good news as well as some bad news. The good news is Smith looks bigger and far more explosive off the snap. A year ago, he lost too much weight and was still often the last man off the ball. Now he’s thicker and nearly leading the pack off the snap.

Next, he’s showcasing some of the raw power that landed him No. 1 on Brice Feldman’s Freaks List. Smith is finally playing a little like the powerful and explosive player he was draft to be.

The bad news is that’s not enough.

When discussing Smith on his Love of the Star podcast, Bryan Broaddus pointed out Smith still has a balance issue to contend with. He often gets stuck on one foot, losing his leverage and subsequently taken out of the play.

There’s also an issue with Smith’s confidence. Smith noticeably suffered in this aspect as a rookie and his confidence seems to remain fragile today. Bobby Belt stated, “He seems discouraged,” while Broaddus added Smith is “super tough on himself.”

Onlookers have been treated to highlights of Smith pushing the pocket in training camp and showing the promise he rarely showed as a rookie.

Those eager to see positives have seen them. Smith is penciled into such a vital role in 2024 the Cowboys will find themselves up a creek if he doesn’t move significantly in a positive direction.

Unfortunately, majority of his highlights are in plays he gets to play the aggressor (i.e. as a pass rusher). In plays he gets attacked, like in the running game, his balance gets called into question. Pass protection requires offensive linemen to step back and Smith to charge forward. Run blocking isn’t so passive for an offensive lineman.

This is an important distinction to make because, as a 1-tech DT, Smith’s primary responsibility will be holding up against the run. On passing downs he’ll likely leave the field altogether, making his progress as a pass rusher and pocket collapser somewhat moot.

This isn’t to say his progress isn’t important. It’s just to point out it might not be as significant in regular season application as it might seem in these training camp drills where he’s rushing the passer.

The real test for Smith will be against the run this preseason. Can he maintain his gap integrity? Can he hold up against a good blocker? What about a double team?

It’s great Smith’s pushing the pocket while rushing the passer. All progress must be celebrated, but the Cowboys need Smith to be a serviceable run-stopper and until he shows that, 1-tech is still a major issue on this team.