Cowboys defend first-round pick Mazi Smith after outing versus Seahawks

The Dallas Cowboys surprised many when they snagged Mazi Smith out of Michigan as their first-round selection this year. The Cowboys front office harped on the opportunity to expand the young defensive tackle’s game, but so far this preseason, Smith is still just getting adjusted to the NFL game.

Executive vice president Stephen Jones acknowledged that fans want to see their new first-round pick rushing quarterbacks, but noted after the game in Seattle that it could take time.

“He’s a run stopper and he strong as hell,” Jones said. “Everyone wants to see him rushing the passer but that’s not what we want. He’ll ultimately get better and better at it but you know what he does best is not necessarily sexy or jumps off the page.”

Over three seasons with Michigan, Smith finished with 89 tackles. In his final campaign, he posted his best statistical finish with 49 tackles overall with a sack and forced fumble. That was enough for Dallas to decide to draft the former four-star and Top-100 recruit out of Grand Rapids with the 26th overall pick.

The Cowboys want to increase Smith’s presence as a pass rushing threat, but for now, they’ll settle with the rookie as a gap-stopper as he continues working on his get-off and speed.

After Smith’s debut last week versus Jacksonville, his veteran teammate Johnathan Hankins also defended the rookie’s ability.

“It’s going to take him some time,” Hankins said. “He’s doing everything we asked. The dude is a special talent. Don’t get me wrong, once he gets his hands on guys it’s nothing they can do. He just has to continue to work and run to the ball and do the little small things we do out there on the field. He ain’t too far behind.”

Parsons defends rookies amid first-year adjustment

Clips of Seahawks linemen taking Smith on with relative ease on Saturday night made the rounds on social media, which is potentially what prompted Cowboys edge rusher Micah Parsons to send a message on X about rookies in the league.

“Idk why we put so many expectations on rookies it takes so long to get adapted to the NFL!!” Parsons shared. “Tom Brady destroyed me opening night!! You just gotta learn and stay positive! Never make the same mistakes twice!

Mazi Smith had a rough one last night vs SEA, IMO pic.twitter.com/XyYsoQjn0a

— Ben Fennell (@BenFennell_NFL) August 20, 2023

Smith made headlines early in training camp when reporters asked whether they’ll hear him talking trash to his teammates, to which he confidently replied, “Nah.”

“I don’t do no talking. Nah, I’m trying to hit you,” Smith said. “Nah, I don’t got nothing to say. It’s what I do, I hit people. I don’t even like football. I like hitting people.”