Dallas uses first round to shore up defense

Mazi Smith. Kirthmon F. Dozier / USA TODAY NETWORK

Dallas uses first-round pick to shore up run defense

By Michael Carpenter | Last updated 4/28/23

With the No. 26 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys beefed up the interior of their defense by selecting defensive tackle Mazi Smith out of Michigan.

Struggling against the run at times in 2022, Smith gives the Cowboys a huge upgrade to the run defense with the potential to disrupt the passing game as well thanks to his athleticism at 325 pounds.

"Dawg. Big dawg. ... A guy who ain't gon' make it easy." - @mazismith #CowboysDraft | @UMichFootball

The @NFL Draft: April 27-29
@nflnetwork, @ABC & @espn pic.twitter.com/CFVvMW5Wzh
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) April 28, 2023

With veteran Johnathan Hankins already on the roster, Smith will have someone to learn from as he adjusts to the NFL. With defensive coordinator Dan Quinn known to get the most out of his defense, Smith figures to have an impact early on.

The Cowboys just got a guy in Mazi Smith who can be the anchor to their defense for years to come. In an NFL where defenses need to stop the run with a light box, Smith was DOMINANT against the run at Michigan and will move the pocket in the passing game.
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) April 28, 2023

On the Bleacher Report live draft show, new teammate Micah Parsons revealed that he texted Quinn earlier in the day "Michigan DT" and he got his wish.

While there were options at the tight end position, the Cowboys felt that Smith was too good to pass on and they could find intriguing options at tight end later in the draft.

With six picks left in the draft for the Cowboys, look for them to address needs at offensive guard, linebacker and running back in the remaining rounds.

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