Cowboys defensive line poised for training camp battles

Mazi Smith: Make-Or-Break Season

Year three of the Smith experiment is on its way, and Dallas still has not seen the consistent production they thought they’d get in 2023.

Coming out of Michigan, Smith was one of the top defensive tackles in the draft class, and the idea was that he could be the permanent solution to the Cowboys’ running game problems defensively.

His huge frame and collegiate performance as a run-stuffer haven’t translated fully to the NFL, despite some flashes last season.

https://twitter.com/PFF_College/status/1631690826999910401

Smith, who will turn 24 this June, improved from his freshman to sophomore seasons, but not nearly to the extent that you feel ultra-confident about his standing heading into 2025. Four tackles for loss in 17 starts isn’t exactly something to party over.

Not to mention, would the Cowboys defensive line room have added so much new talent, specifically at Smith’s position, if they felt great about him?

Dallas’ seventh round in the draft was almost entirely dedicated to nose tackle.

How Mazi Smith looks in training camp and beyond will be one of the most important stories to watch for the Cowboys this summer. He could continue his upward trajectory, or get his job stolen once and for all.

Jay Toia: Clear Opportunity At Nose Tackle

Let’s make something clear: the Cowboys did not draft Toia simply as a depth/roster filler guy in the seventh round.

This kid is a legitimate 6’2″, 340 lb mammoth of a man on the defensive line. If he were drafted in the fourth round, nobody would have been surprised; Dallas got a steal in the seventh, and they intend to use it.

Toia was productive at UCLA as a nose tackle, and he has the energy and frame to stick in the NFL. He is the best competition Smith has had yet.

https://twitter.com/benjaminwhodge/status/1900166426456953129

Of course, we aren’t talking about a blue-chip prospect, but you can find players at this position late in the draft that contribute quickly. If Matt Eberflus sees something special in this kid, he might be on the brink of hitting a home run.

The Cowboys’ run-stuffing deficiency is an immediate need. It has to get fixed as soon as possible, and Toia could start if they think he gives them the best chance at fixing it.

In short, Smith better come prepared this summer, because there is a talented and hungry new face that would love to steal his snaps in 2025.

Osa Odighizuwa: Top Dog Needs Running Mate

What the Cowboys defensive line needs more than anything is a true running mate for Odighizuwa. He is a very rich man now because of his pass-rushing skills from inside the defensive line.

Dallas now needs somebody to stop the run next to him.

If Smith proves that can be him, that’s great news. He is NFL-experienced now and should be developing with age.

If not, then we’re going to see a very quick pivot to young faces like Toia and fellow rookie Akingbesote. The Cowboys have invested heavily in the defense this offseason, and there is no time to wait.

They have the EDGE-rusher talent to compete, now it’s time for the defensive tackle room to step up.