The Dallas Cowboys took Mazi Smith with their first-round pick this year. The ultra-athletic defensive lineman was brought in to try and solve some of the run defense. So far, it has not looked great. He has only recorded four tackles on the season and that is it. Despite this, defensive line coach Aden Durde is happy with the progress he is seeing.
Dallas Cowboys Mazi Smith Developing Well
Durde thinks that Smith is going through the normal adjustment phase from the college game to the NFL game.
“I think we sometimes take it for granted when you come in the game as a first-round pick, the pressure that’s on you. But the game is a lot different, the way they get told plays. A lot of them, they’re getting like 80 snaps a game, the plays move fast, the coordinator’s telling them, they don’t have to listen to communication.
“Now, all of that’s changed. You get into a huddle, someone gives you the communication, you line up, now what am I getting? These things are changing, I think, and as we’re going through this, Mazi’s growth and understanding of how to play the game at that level is growing.
You can see week in [and] week out, he’s making marginal gains, and that’s what it’s about. He’s around a good group of players, he’s in a position where he can grow and he’s in the right place. He’s doing good.”
In college, Smith was likely able to overpower most of his opponents based on his size alone. In the NFL, it is going to take more than being athletic to make an impact. The good news is that the coaching staff is seeing the improvement. His teammates are also noticing the development.
Parsons Happy With How Smith Is Doing
Star pass-rusher Micah Parsons is excited to see how Smith develops. “I think Mazi is coming along great,” Parsons said. “I think mid-season, late in the season, we got a chance to see Mazi be dominant. I’m super excited for him. I can’t wait to see that.” Having a big guy to plug up the hole in the middle could open up some of Parson’s game. If he no longer has to worry as much about the run, it could lead to more havoc in the backfield.
The Dallas Cowboys have high hopes for Mazi Smith. Hopefully, he can continue to develop and be a force once the playoffs roll around in January.
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