Michigan football NFL Draft profiles: DT Mazi Smith
Michigan football has reached some amazing heights over the last two seasons due in large part to a tonal shift in the locker room. One of the key figures in the culture turning around was defensive tackle Mazi Smith, who now looks to bring his Hulk-ish strength and athleticism to the next level in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Smith appeared in 35 games during his Michigan career with 28 starts. He was a two-time All-Big Ten selection (first team; 2022, honorable mention; 2021) and had 48 tackles (2.5 for loss) and half a sack last season.
Here is a look at Smith’s background and what he can bring to the NFL.
Mazi Smith’s background
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 323 pounds
School: Michigan
Position: Defensive Tackle
Projected: 1st-2nd round pick
Strengths
Smith’s combination of physique and athleticism is rare for a player his size, and it is by far his most projectable trait when it comes to where he fits in at the next level. The Michigan defender might also be one of the best run-stuffers in the class and he is able to use his raw strength to create some havoc up front. Smith’s hands pack a heavy punch and he did a good job in the defense handling two-gap responsibilities and double teams. His lateral movement skills are rare for a player that approaches 330 pounds. The athletic traits he brings to the table feel like they can serve him well with a coaching staff that knows how to refine them. Smith was voted a team captain at Michigan and was one of the loudest, strongest voices in the locker room over the last two years.
Weaknesses
Smith can run hot and cold at times, especially when opposing offenses deploy tempo and he could be a little more consistent in holding his ground. He was not as productive on the stat sheet as some believe he might be after the off-season hype last year. Smith is more powerful than he is explosive and does not make a ton of plays behind the line of scrimmage. He recorded only six tackles for loss and half a sack in four years at Michigan. Smith is not currently a three-down defender and needs to improve his pass rush to stay on the field. There also comes a bit of baggage in the form of a gun arrest in October that teams have been doing homework on.
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Mazi Smith overview
Everyone was ready to grab their popcorn to see what Smith would do at the NFL Combine. Ultimately, the former Bruce Feldman Freaks List headliner opted out of most events while rehabbing a hamstring injury. Smith participated in the bench press and led all players at the combine with 34 reps of 225 pounds. He did some work at Michigan’s pro day, but his pre-draft process has been headlined by answering team’s questions about his gun arrest last fall. His stock has not fallen, and he has a shot to go in the first round of the draft.
Smith has a real shot to be a player that unlocks more of his potential at the next level. Michigan got exactly what it needed out of him in his playing the nose, but his athletic profile suggests that he could be more disruptive. That is likely going to come down to a supporting cast around him, but he has already proven that his presence alone can open things up for his other linemates. Time will tell just how high his ceiling can be, but the floor is incredibly high and it is not hard to imagine the former Wolverine having a decade-long stint in the NFL as a key piece of a defensive line rotation. There was steady improvement each season in Ann Arbor and yet it feels like there could be more to come. Smith has a shot to crack the first round if he adequately answers on and off-field questions.
