(2023) Mazi Smith-DT-Michigan

Mazi Smith

DT

6’3, 337

Senior

Strengths	Weaknesses
Tenacious Play Style and Effort Block Shedding Ability Great Run Defense Traits Access to some Pass Rush/Counter Moves	Lack of Length Play Recognition Could Improve Raw as a Pass Rusher, Lack of Consistency Mediocre Athlete

2022 Statistics (Per PFF)

*(Ranking is out of the 330 Defensive Linemen with 300+ Snaps this season)

2022 Statistic	Total	Ranking *	Rank Percentile
Pressures	25	T-49th	Top 15%
Sacks	1	T-184th	Bottom 44%
QB Hits	5	T-28th	Top 9%
Hurries	19	T-37th	Top 11%
Tackles	38	T-6th	Top 2%
Missed Tackle %	8.0%	T-85th	Top 26%

Write-Up:

Mazi Smith is a senior defensive tackle out of Michigan, who has put together a solid past two seasons with the Wolverines. Smith saw very little action during his first two years at Michigan (58 snaps combined) but became a full-time starter in his junior 2021 season. Both his 2021 and 2022 seasons were extremely comparable statistically. There was an off-field incident where Smith was arrested, for possessing a firearm, that may have an affect on his draft stock.

On the field though, Mazi Smith plays a very solid game. What immediately jumps out is the way he plays each snap. He is tenacious and putting together a high effort rep each time he is on the field. Even if he is out of the play, he tries to get himself in positions to get involved if needed; he never gives up on a play. Smith is a better run defender than a pass rusher right now, and part of that is thanks to his block shedding ability. He has a knack of freeing himself just at the right time to make a play on the ball carrier, even if he is not the most consistent at doing so. He knows where he has to be in his run defense alignment and he will try his best to get there no matter what. While his pass rushing ability does need some work, he does utilize a select few pass rush moves, which give him a good foundation to build upon in terms of development. In general, Smith seems to be just an okay athlete, which is partly why he can get dominated on certain snaps.

However, Mazi Smith needs to polish up his pass rush attack if he wants to carve out a bigger role in the NFL. There are some reps where Smith can win quickly and dominantly, but they are overshadowed by significantly more snaps where Smith can be taken out of the play entirely. One reason potentially behind this is his lack of arm length, which prevents him from making first contact with blockers. While he has solid run defense instincts, it feels like Smith plays more in his scheme rather than diagnosing the play as it happens.

Overall, Mazi Smith has a fairly high floor right now that should allow him to carve out a role as a rotational defensive tackle. But I do think there is potential for Smith to become a much more well-rounded and effective player if he can develop his play recognition and pass rush ability.

Draft Projection:   Rounds 3-4