Can Mazi Smith Prove He Was Worth a First-Round Pick?

Third-year defensive tackle Mazi Smith is entering what could be a make-or-break season in 2025. The Dallas Cowboys selected Smith with pick No. 26 in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

Has the former Michigan Wolverine underachieved or have the cards been stacked against him since his arrival in Dallas?

Smith endured his fair share of growing pains in his rookie season and fans are left wondering if it is too early and unfair to call him a bust at this point in his career.

“To his credit, Smith has still taken steps forward over a very challenging and forgettable rookie season, and I also subscribe annually to the thought process that defensive linemen in the NFL don't usually break out until Year 3,” DallasCowboys.com’s Patrick Walker wrote on the site.

“Wouldn't you know it, Smith is entering his third year and he's doing so with a heralded defensive line coach in Aaron Whitecotton, and a heralded defensive mind coordinating the defense, namely Matt Eberflus.

"Calling a player a bust when he's progressing and started every game in Year 2 is disingenuous to me — adding in the fact his previous coordinator was a rental.”

Smith will have to quickly adapt and grow under his third defensive coordinator and defensive line coaching staff in as many years in the NFL.

Could Smith progress and improve more? Absolutely.

Eberflus and Whitecotton will look to fully unlock Smith’s potential as the 6-3, 337-pound, defensive lineman enters the 2025 season determined to silence doubters and prove why he was a Day 1 pick.