Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Mazi Smith wears a Guardian helmet cap during training camp at the River Ridge Fields. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Cowboys' Brian Schottenheimer reveals promising Mazi Smith improvement

Originally posted on Dallas Cowboys on SI | By Tyler Reed | Last updated Jul 22, 2025 2:33 PM ET

On Tuesday, Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer spoke with the media before hosting his first training camp practice as the franchise's head man.

The biggest news from Schottenheimer's media availability had to be that star linebacker Micah Parsons would be participating in camp while he deals with contract negotiations with the front office.

The Parsons news is exciting for the fanbase; however, the new Cowboys head coach also revealed that former first-round pick Mazi Smith is coming into this camp a little different.

Brian Schottenheimer said Mazi Smith has dropped weight as he enters Year 3 and moves into his third system in three years. Matt Eberflus wants DL to get up the field.
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) July 22, 2025

Schottenheimer announced that Smith has dropped weight entering his third season in the NFL. The new Cowboys head coach says the reason for that is that new defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus wants the defensive line to get up the field quickly this season.

It doesn't get talked about as much as it would with an offensive coordinator change, but Smith will be working under his third defensive coordinator in just as many years.

It will be another summer of learning a new scheme for a player who doesn't have much patience left from the front office.

First-round talents are expected to come in and make immediate impacts. However, Smith has not been that player. Although he showed signs of improvement late last season, Smith will need to turn heads quickly during camp.

This article first appeared on Dallas Cowboys on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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