Why Cowboys need rookie DT Mazi Smith to overcome preseason growing pains

While Cowboys rookie defensive tackle Mazi Smith hasn't looked like a bust, the first-round pick (No. 26 overall) hasn't amazed either.
"Given his draft status, Smith has been one of the most polarizing rookies," wrote The Athletic's Saad Yousuf. "His play has warranted that sort of dialogue, as he's been mostly mediocre throughout camp, not terrible but not great, either."

In two preseason games, the 22-year-old has struggled, only recording one tackle. During the Cowboys' 22-14 loss to the Seahawks, Pro Football Focus gave Smith a grade of 27, the worst in the game.

Nonetheless, head coach Mike McCarthy isn't giving up on the rookie.
"You look at the way he graded out [against the Seahawks], and there's some plays he'll definitely learn from," the HC recently said, via Yousuf."But you got to remember, he's still a first-year player. I think when you look at his camp, he's had a good to solid camp. This week will be another opportunity for him."

Dallas fans shouldn't write the rookie off after two preseason games. The former Michigan Wolverine is the prototype for a solid DT, as he stands at 6-foot-3, 337 pounds and tied for the second-most bench press reps (34) at the combine.

 He needs time to develop, but the Cowboys need it to happen faster. The team selected Smith to fortify its defense against the run since NFC rivals (Philadelphia and San Francisco) have elite ground attacks. Last season, the 49ers finished eighth in rushing yards, while the Eagles finished fifth.

Smith — the first DT the Cowboys have selected in the first round since Russell Maryland in 1991 — already holds a crucial role this season. He must emerge quickly, starting with an impressive preseason finale against the Raiders on Saturday.