The Dallas Cowboys have had some very mixed results over the last few years in the NFL Draft, as their penchant for rolling the dice on big-time athletes on the defensive side of the ball. The Cowboys may need to stay away from Michigan, as Mazi Smith appears to be ready to join Taco Charlton in Dallas’ draft bust graveyard.
Not only has Smith not been able to live up to the hype since his prime days in Ann Arbor, but he has graded out as such a poor player that he is one of the worst starters in the league at his position. If he doesn’t turn it around in 2025, things could spiral to a point where Dallas moves on,.
Pro Football Focus listed Smith as the Dallas representative on their “make-or-break” list heading into the 2025 season, especially since Smith seems much closer to breaking than making it at this point in his young career.
Smith will he coached by an experienced defensive staff led by Matt Eberflus, who had successful defenses in Chicago. If yet another coordinator fails to get the most out of him, it might be time for the Cowboys to eat this pick and accept it as a loss for Will McClay and the front office.
Cowboys DT Mazi Smith listed as PFF’s “make-or-break” player before 2025
Smith’s 34.8 Pro Football Focus grade ranked 207th out of 219 qualifying defensive tackles, which doesn’t need any elevated analysis or colorful language to communicate the fact that is a terrible number. Smith’s 35.9 run defense grade is scarier, as that was supposed to be his specialty.
The Cowboys did make some additions on the defensive line this offseason, but none that will threaten Smith’s job. Solomon Thomas joined former Jets defensive line coach Aaron Whitecotton in Dallas, while two rookies in Jay Toia and Tommy Akingbesote are both seventh-round picks fighting for a spot.
Smith has all the talent in the world and a frame that should lead to him becoming a viable space-eater in the pros, but he has not shown one iota of promise that would suggest he could become an elite starter. Even Mike Zimmer couldn’t turn him around.
Smith should be guaranteed next to nothing with the Cowboys next season, and Brian Schottenheimer would be making a huge mistake if he treats Smith as someone who isn’t fighting for his football life.
