Report: Michigan defensive tackle Mazi Smith to declare for 2023 NFL Draft

Michigan Wolverines defensive tackle Mazi Smith is moving on from the program. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Smith has declared for the 2023 NFL Draft.

Smith still has one more year of eligibility, although he is a senior. Still, he is electing to forgo that last season and head to the next level. Smith ends his time at Michigan with 89 total tackles, 39 solo, three pass deflections, one sack, and forced one fumble. In his final game with the Wolverines, against TCU in the College Football Playoff semifinals, Smith had three tackles, with a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.

More on the 2023 NFL Draft

The 2023 NFL Draft is set to take place from Thursday, April 27 through Saturday, April 29 in Kansas City, Missouri. The event will be held at the plaza just outside of Union Station.

Round 1 of the NFL Draft is set to begin at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, Apr. 27. Rounds 2-3 will begin at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, Apr. 28, and Rounds 4-7 will begin at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday, Apr. 29. The draft will be broadcasted throughout the weekend on both ESPN and NFL Network.

To be eligible for the NFL Draft, players must be at least three years removed from their final year of high school while having used up their collegiate eligibility. Underclassmen are able to request league approval to become eligible for the draft, as are players who have graduated prior to using up all of their collegiate eligibility. 100 underclassmen were approved for last year’s draft. 73 of those 100 underclassmen were granted special eligibility while 27 of them were underclassmen who had completed their college degrees.

The 2023 NFL scouting combine will take place from Feb. 28 through March 6 in Indianapolis.