Former Dallas Cowboys First Round Pick Looking To Have Breakout Performance In Year 3

Mazi Smith knows what’s at stake. Drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, the defensive lineman entered the league with the weight of expectations firmly on his shoulders. Now in his third season, Smith is brutally honest about his struggles, his self-imposed expectations, and what he needs to do to finally make an impact. It’s a pivotal moment in his career, and Smith appears determined to rise to the occasion.

Here’s a closer look at Smith’s reflections on his past, the challenges he faces this season, and why 2025 could define his legacy with the Dallas Cowboys.

Dallas Cowboys Mazi Smith: A Candid Self-Assessment

If there’s one thing you can’t question about Mazi Smith, it’s his willingness to take accountability. Following a disappointing first preseason outing this year, where he registered no tackles in limited snaps, Smith didn’t sugarcoat his performance.

“I just didn’t do anything, you know?” Smith admitted. “You gotta do something. I’m a first-round pick. There’s expectations.”

Those words highlight an admirable level of self-awareness. Smith acknowledges the pressure that comes with being a high draft pick and the reality of failing to live up to those expectations thus far.

“It’s my third year,” Smith stated bluntly, as if recognizing the urgency for things to change.

Past Struggles and Growing Pains

Smith’s time in Dallas has been anything but smooth. His rookie year showed flashes of potential, but inconsistencies prevented him from becoming the disruptive force the Dallas Cowboys had hoped for. The transition to the NFL proved more challenging than anticipated, particularly given the stark differences in competition compared to his standout college days at Michigan.

Compounding the issue has been the lack of stability in Dallas’ coaching staff. Smith has worked under three different defensive coordinators over three seasons—Dan Quinn in 2023, Mike Zimmer in 2024, and now Matt Eberflus. Each change has brought new schemes, new techniques, and new expectations, creating hurdles in Smith’s development.

“It’s not hard, bro,” Smith said when asked about the constant adjustments. “It’s just that everybody sees things a little differently. You gotta [understand] it’s my job to get on the same page with each and every person that comes in this building.”

It’s a mature approach, but the challenges of learning new systems year after year cannot be understated. For a player trying to carve out consistency, being asked to adapt repeatedly can slow progress.

Adapting to the Eberflus System

Smith’s 2025 preseason doesn’t just represent a fresh slate—it brings another opportunity to learn under a new coach. Matt Eberflus, known for his attacking defensive schemes, has placed an emphasis on Smith shedding weight to maximize his explosiveness. The adjustments seem to align with Smith’s skill set, but the early results have been underwhelming.

Despite the slow start, Smith remains optimistic, focusing on the grind ahead. His comments reflect a player who is both self-critical and fully committed to improvement.

“I just have to keep getting better,” Smith said. “I wasn’t happy with [the first preseason game] at all, to be honest. I just need to keep learning the scheme and keep getting off the ball.”

A Crucial Season for Redemption

For Smith, 2025 feels like a make-or-break year. The Cowboys drafted him to anchor the interior of their defensive line, a role that ideally demands both dominance against the run and disruption in the pass rush. Thus far, Smith hasn’t consistently delivered on either front.

What’s at stake extends beyond meeting the expectations of fans and media. The Cowboys have significant needs along their defensive front, and failure to step up this year could see Smith phased out of their long-term plans.

Still, there are reasons for optimism. Smith’s willingness to hold himself accountable suggests he has the mindset to persevere through adversity. Combine that with an opportunity to benefit from Eberflus’ defensive expertise, and Smith could very well prove his doubters wrong.

Beyond the Noise

Smith’s introspection also extends to how he handles criticism from outside the organization. While, as a first-round pick, he’s no stranger to scrutiny, Smith is clear about where he places his focus.

“The only people that should be expecting anything out of me is our fan base and the people in this building, you know?” Smith said. “If you ain’t that, I ain’t trying to hear it.”

His comments reflect a player laser-focused on proving himself to the two groups that matter most—the Cowboys’ coaches and an expectant fan base.

Can Smith Turn Things Around?

Smith’s road ahead will not be easy. Adjusting to yet another system and rebounding from an underwhelming start in the preseason will test his resilience. However, the physical talent that made him a first-round pick remains undeniable.

The Dallas Cowboys are counting on players like Micah Parsons and DaRon Bland to anchor the defense, but if Smith can emerge as a reliable presence in the trenches, it would go a long way in elevating the unit as a whole. For Smith, the key lies in consistency and buying fully into Eberflus’ system.

Final Thoughts

Mazi Smith epitomizes a player at the crossroads of his career. His ability to recognize his shortcomings and face criticism head-on speaks volumes about his character. But in the NFL, self-awareness alone isn’t enough—it must translate into production on the field.

2025 offers Smith one more chance to silence the doubters and prove himself as a core piece of the Cowboys’ defense. If his determination and work ethic align with his physical tools, Smith could finally deliver the impact Dallas envisioned.

It’s now or never for Mazi Smith, and he seems ready to answer the call.