The heavy-weight struggle of a first-round NFL defensive talent
In short: In 2023, the Dallas Cowboys used a first-round pick on Mazi Smith, a player described as a rare physical freak. Yet, a series of weight fluctuations and changing defensive schemes would soon define a turbulent professional journey.
Mazi Smith entered the NFL with immense physical promise. A standout at the University of Michigan, Smith was a highly-rated recruit in the Class of 2019, ranked by ESPN as the 38th recruit of his class. By his senior year in 2022, he had become a first-team All-Big Ten selection. Scouts were enamored by his massive frame—weighing over 325 pounds—and his rare combination of power and agility, featuring a 4.41-second shuttle time.
However, his professional career was marked by instability. Upon arriving in Dallas, Smith was initially asked to drop below 300 pounds to allow him to rotate between the 1-technique and 3-technique positions. As defensive coordinators changed—from Dan Quinn to Mike Zimmer, and later to Matt Eberflus in 2025—Smith's weight fluctuated significantly, with gains and losses of 30 to 40 pounds. These shifts coincided with periods of underperformance and a struggle to cement his place in the rotation.
The volatility of his tenure in Dallas ended on November 4, 2025, when the Cowboys traded Smith and significant draft assets, including a 2026 second-round pick, to the New York Jets for Quinnen Williams. Despite new opportunities in New York, Smith struggled to break into their rotation and was eventually released in August 2026. By September 2026, he had moved to the Miami Dolphins practice squad, marking the end of his stint as a high-profile first-round starter.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Mazi Smith
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/history-mazi-smith.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Born on this day · More in History · Latest · A–Z · All topics
