The Dallas Cowboys selected defensive tackle Mazi Smith from Michigan with pick No. 26 of the 2023 draft to the delight of many, including star edge rusher Micah Parsons.
After a poor rookie season marred by weight loss, a poor start and the transition to a new scheme, Smith was hoping to bounce back this season under Mike Zimmer. Through the first nine weeks of the season, it seemed like not much had changed for Smith. He had a single outstanding performance against the New York Giants, at their first meeting in week 4.
Smith's only Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade above 80 was this week, but in all other cases he was objectively a bust. During that time, Smith had a game over 55 in total defense and a game over 60 in run defense. He averaged a 35.2 overall PFF grade and 38 in run defense. However, things seem to have turned around for Smith as he has put together several better performances in a row.
In Weeks 10-12, Smith had an overall defensive grade of 55 or higher in all three games, including two above 60.
His run defense grades were all above 60, two of which were above 70.
His overall average grade was 62.9 and his run defense average was 70.5. That 70.5 runs defense rating would put him in the top 15 in the league this year.
While Pro Football Focus grades are an essential evaluation tool, they don't tell the whole story. Smith had the production to back up those improved grades. Seven of Smith's 19 tackles have come in the last three weeks. Four of his eight assists and six of his 14 stops were also successful.
These numbers still don't favor first choice, but they do show improvement in his second season. Smith has played his three best games against division opponents this year, with the Giants up next. This could be the week Smith registers his first sack, and in one Keeping an eye on him and hoping to see a quality player in the final five games could change everything
You can find Mike Crum on Twitter @cdpiglet or YouTube on the About the Cowboys Podcast.
