NFL Draft grades: Mixed reviews on Dallas Cowboys taking Michigan DT Mazi Smith

Michigan Wolverines football has had a first-round pick in each of the last five NFL Drafts, including defensive tackle Mazi Smith at No. 26 overall to the Dallas Cowboys this year. Smith is the first Michigan defensive tackle to be chosen in the opening round since Kevin Brooks in 1985 (also to Dallas).

Smith was regarded as a late-first-round pick according to several final mock drafts heading into Thursday, with multiple teams at the end of the round needing help on the interior of the defensive line. Dallas was one of the teams pegged as a possibility, and sure enough it wound up being the Michigan lineman’s landing spot.

Here’s a look at draft grades from across NFL media on Smith after his selection.

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CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco: A

“Smith is another one of my favorite players. He’s a power player who can hold up against the run, but I think he will be a better pass rusher than people expect,” Prisco wrote. “He just needs to keep his weight in check.”

Nick Gray, The Tennessean: A-

“Smith will be able to play on all downs once he adapts to the pro game,” Gray wrote of the Michigan standout. “He’s one of the best in the class in absorbing blocks without giving up ground in the run game, and he has some juice in pass rushing too.”

Sporting News’ Vinnie Iyer: B

“The Cowboys reached a little, but they did fill a direct need for a run-stuffing nose tackle who can start right away from them with his nice combination of power and quickness,” Iyer wrote.

The Athletic‘s Scott Dochterman: B

“Dallas had needs at tight end and defensive tackle, and the Cowboys chose the latter to fortify a below-average run defense,” Dochterman explained. “Smith (6-3, 323) put up 34 reps of 225 pounds and holds up physically, even against double teams. There are questions about consistent effort and his inability to finish at the quarterback, but those will be addressed.

“The No. 1 athlete on Bruce Feldman’s 2022 Freaks List, Smith’s impact is felt way more than through his statistics. The past two seasons Smith put up only two sacks but generated 33 quarterback hurries, according to PFF. Smith fluctuated between playing over the center and shifting to a 3-technique, and he could play either with effectiveness.

“Smith was arrested on a gun charge while pulled over for speeding last fall, but he had a permit for the firearm; he just didn’t carry it with him. He still started every game at Michigan the past two seasons.”

Gilberto Manzano: Sports Illustrated: B

“Dallas added a beefy defensive tackle to an interior defensive line that was inconsistent at times last season. Smith, who was taken ahead of [Clemson’s] Bryan Bresee, is a productive run stopper and has upside as a pass rusher. The Cowboys might have reached here, but they needed depth on the defensive line in a division that features the mobile [Philadelphia Eagles quarterback] Jalen Hurts.

Pro Football Focus: ‘Average’

“It might not be an exciting pick, but for a team that has struggled to stop the run consistently recently, it makes a lot of sense,” PFF wrote of the Michigan lineman’s selection. “An impressive athlete for someone his size, Smith posted PFF grades of 75.0 or better in each of the past two seasons.”

Bleacher Report’s Brent Sobleski: C-

“Great athleticism brings certain expectations,” Sobleski began.

“When The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman named Michigan’s Mazi Smith as the top athletic standout entering this past collegiate season, the defensive tackle automatically turned into a highly regarded prospect, even though his play didn’t warrant elite status.

“The last six athletes to top Feldman’s lists–Evan Neal, Kwity Paye, Tristan Wirfs, Rashan Gary, Saquon Barkley and Myles Garrett–found their way into their respective class’ first round. In fact, Paye fell the furthest in the opening frame as the 21st selection in the 2021 draft.

“In Smith’s case, his performance hasn’t matched his potential. The 6’3”, 323-pound defender flashes his natural athleticism and power at the point of attack. He can be an overwhelming presence when his motor runs hot and he plays with proper leverage.

“Unfortunately, too many instances can be found when Smith played too high, got caught peeking into the backfield and made little impact.

“The Dallas Cowboys missed on the opportunity to possibly select their preferred tight end target in Dalton Kincaid and pivoted to Smith.

“Two factors play into this pick’s favor.

“First, the Cowboys were soft at the point of attack. They needed size and strength. Smith brings both in spades to play alongside a one-gapper in Osa Odighizuwa.

“Second, the incoming rookie’s upside is immense. With his combination of athleticism and bulk, he has the potential to dominate opposing centers.

“However, the inconsistencies seen on tape need to be eradicated. Smith can’t continue to play as high as he regularly does or his greatest assets won’t mean anything against professional blockers.

“The idea of Smith is currently better than the reality.”