Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

Cowboys' Seventh-Round Rookie Approaching Major Opportunity After Training Camp Injury

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nathan Karseno | Last updated Aug 5, 2025 11:57 AM ET

It's very rare that a seventh-round draft pick is this close to a lock to make the 53-man roster halfway through training camp, but that explains how shallow the Dallas Cowboys on the interior defensive line.

Former UCLA nose tackle Jay Toia impressed scouts with his 6-2, 340-pound frame and run-stopping prowess in college. Now the Cowboys' coaching staff is continuing to like what they're seeing as he's gotten some reps in the first unit throughout training camp.

Along the defensive line, Osa Odighizuwa, Solomon Thomas and Mazi Smith fill out the projected depth chart with newcomers like Perrion Winfrey and rookie Tommy Akingbesote battling to make the team.

Smith is expected to be the starter at 1-tech DT, as he's been for the last two seasons after Dallas spent a first-round pick on him. However, he's underperformed so far in his young career ... and this training camp hasn't done him too many favors.

To make matters worse for Mazi, he was dealing with some apparent knee soreness as he walked gingerly off the practice field Monday, just a day before the Cowboys were to welcome the Rams for the first joint practice of camp.

Mazi Smith is out of the tent and leaving the practice field #Cowboys https://t.co/M80me2Kkkv pic.twitter.com/YG16q1A5xO
— Tommy Yarrish (@tommy_yarrish) August 4, 2025

Matt Eberflus wants to equip a versatile scheme in the trenches, meaning Smith may have to play up field more than Cowboys fans might like to see. That idea was tried by Dan Quinn in Smith's rookie season, but he struggled mightily, which initiated the concerns around his fit. It would also be a tough assignment at this point in camp if his knee injury becomes serious.

Toia may not be as flexible as necessary for this game plan either, but he's displayed some incredible strength and has reportedly been giving center Cooper Beebe some heavy pressure.

If Smith is banged up ahead of Tuesday's practice against new competition, Toia will walk into another massive opportunity to show his stuff. That familiarity from getting first-team reps will also be crucial leading up to Toia's debut in the Cowboys' preseason opener against the Rams on Saturday.

Not only will a strong performance add to his case to make the team, but he could be fighting with Smith for a spot in the starting lineup.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: