Latest news with #MaziSmith
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
1 Dallas Cowboys player with most to prove at OTAs
The post 1 Dallas Cowboys player with most to prove at OTAs appeared first on ClutchPoints. As the Dallas Cowboys embark on their 2025 OTAs, the spotlight shines brightly on one player in particular: defensive tackle Mazi Smith. The former first-round pick out of Michigan finds himself at a pivotal crossroads in his young NFL career, with expectations, pressure, and competition all reaching new heights. For Smith, OTAs are not just a routine part of the offseason, they are a proving ground, an opportunity to silence doubters, and a chance to establish himself as a foundational piece of the Cowboys' defense. The Weight of First-Round Expectations Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images Mazi Smith entered the NFL with considerable fanfare. As the Cowboys' first-round selection in 2023, he carried the hopes of a franchise desperate to shore up its defensive interior. Dallas had not taken a defensive tackle in the first round in over 30 years, making Smith's arrival a landmark moment for the organization. His collegiate pedigree, highlighted by his inclusion on Bruce Feldman's Freaks List, suggested a rare blend of size, athleticism, and raw power that could transform the Cowboys' run defense. Advertisement However, the transition to the NFL has not been seamless. Smith's rookie season was widely regarded as disappointing, marred by struggles to hold his ground, maintain gaps, and generate consistent pressure. His sophomore campaign showed modest improvement, but he still ranked among the league's least effective defensive linemen in several key metrics. The Cowboys' coaching staff remained patient, but the team's persistent struggles against the run, ranked among the NFL's worst in 2024, kept the pressure on Smith to deliver. Now, entering his third season, Smith faces a critical juncture. The Cowboys have not lowered their expectations for him, even as the rest of the league has recalibrated its assessment of his ceiling. Internally, Dallas is counting on Smith to develop into at least an average NFL starter, capable of anchoring the defensive line and helping to fix the team's most glaring weakness. Externally, questions linger about whether he has already reached his peak and whether the Cowboys need to look elsewhere for answers. The Ripple Effect of Smith's Performance Smith's performance at OTAs will have far-reaching implications for the entire Cowboys defense. The team's inability to stop the run has been a recurring issue, and the consequences have been costly, most notably in last season's playoff loss to Green Bay, where the Packers' ground game ran wild. With new defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus at the helm, the Cowboys are determined to make run defense a priority, and Smith's development is central to that mission. Advertisement The arrival of rookie Jay Toia, a seventh-round pick out of UCLA, adds another layer of intrigue. Toia has already earned first-team reps during OTAs, signaling the coaching staff's willingness to explore all options in the quest to improve the defensive interior. While the expectations for Toia are modest, his early promotion is a clear message to Smith that nothing is guaranteed, and competition will be fierce. If Smith fails to rise to the occasion, he risks losing snaps and perhaps his starting role to a rookie or a potential veteran addition later in the summer. Beyond the depth chart, Smith's performance will set the tone for the entire defense. The Cowboys have invested heavily in their edge rushers and linebackers, but those players can only thrive if the defensive tackles do their job. A strong, consistent presence in the middle allows linebackers like Kenneth Murray Jr. and Marist Liufau to flow freely to the ball, while also freeing up edge rushers Micah Parsons and Dante Fowler Jr. to attack quarterbacks. If Smith can hold his ground and command double teams, the entire defense will benefit. Smith's journey has been complicated by constant change. In his first two seasons, he played under two different defensive coordinators, each with their own scheme and philosophy. Now, with Eberflus installing a new system, Smith must adapt once again. The hope is that stability and a system tailored to his strengths will help him unlock his potential. Eberflus has expressed optimism about Smith's ability to take the next step, praising his explosiveness and athleticism. But words only go so far; Smith must prove it on the field. The stakes could not be higher. The Cowboys' schedule is daunting, featuring matchups against some of the league's most potent rushing attacks, including the Philadelphia Eagles, led by Offensive Player of the Year Saquon Barkley. If Smith and the defensive line cannot hold their ground, the Cowboys will be in for a long season. Conversely, if Smith can rise to the challenge, he could help transform the defense from a liability into a strength. As OTAs unfold, all eyes will be on Mazi Smith. For a team with championship aspirations, the time for excuses is over. It's time for Smith to step up and prove that he can be the player the Cowboys envisioned when they called his name in the first round.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Dallas Cowboys Rookie Impressing Early during OTAs
Dallas Cowboys Rookie Impressing Early during OTAs originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Dallas Cowboys selected UCLA defensive tackle Jay Toia with pick No. 217 in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft. ... and wouldn't it be nice is he could work out as well as the last Bruin to the 'Boys? Advertisement The last UCLA defensive tackle drafted by the Cowboys was Osa Odighizuwa and that has worked out beautifully. Toia is a former rugby player who doesn't shy away from physicality. The 6-2, 341-pound Inglewood native fills an immediate need for the Cowboys as a run-stopping defensive tackle. Maybe as a backup. Maybe as something more. On Thursday at voluntary OTAs, Toia received first-team reps with the team's starters. Healthy competition is vital to a team's success to make sure players are constantly pushing each other and looking to get better. ... and maybe that's all this is. Or maybe this signifies a major change - and an admission that Dallas' major roster flaw ... run-stopping ... merits real and new answers. Advertisement The Cowboys drafted defensive tackle Mazi Smith with their first-round pick back in 2022. The former Michigan star began to show signs of growth last season, but Dallas needs more. ... and inserting Toia in the mix will - if this works out - give the Cowboys an intriguing pair of 1-technique defensive tackles. According to Pro Football Focus, Toia had his best collegiate season in 2024—posting a 69 overall grade. The trust Toia has earned from the coaching staff early in their offseason program is a positive sign. If he continues to impress, that trust could lead to reps on the field during the regular season. A scouting view? Toia's ability to battle double-team blocks with a wide base will in theory help keep linebackers Kenneth Murray Jr., Jack Sanborn, and Marist Liufau free to play downhill and defend the run. Advertisement The development of Toia and his integration into defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus' scheme will be an interesting storyline to follow throughout training camp as Toia could be an underrated contributor for the Cowboys defense. Related: Dallas' Schottenheimer Reveals Inspiration Behind 'Visor Vision' Related: Cowboys Stud Tyler Smith Poised to Break NFL Record This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on May 31, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Could this Cowboys 7th-round rookie supplant recent 1st rounder?
The Dallas Cowboys didn't stick to the proverbial script when it came to their 2025 draft class. The team had clear needs entering the weekend, but instead of trying to find the best available player at those key positions, Dallas simply took the best available player, needs be ignored. The team didn't take a wide receiver at all, waited until the fifth round to select a running back and the seventh round to select a nose tackle. That NT was UCLA's Jay Toia, an interesting pick to say the least. The Cowboys desperately need a man in the middle to line up next to their newly re-signed star three-technique Osa Odighizuwa; someone capable of commanding a double team and still producing. The question is whether or not Toia will be that guy, at all, much less in his rookie season. Dallas didn't throw any darts at the wall in free agency, and continued their trend of not throwing resources out the spot over the last decade outside of 2023 first-round pick Mazi Smith. Toia will have a great chance to earn snaps as a rookie. Rundown Nov 30, 2024; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins defensive lineman Jay Toia (93) during the second quarter against the Fresno State Bulldogs at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images Position: Defensive Tackle Advertisement Age: 26 Height: 6-foot-2 Weight: 342 pounds Hometown: Inglewood, CA High School: Grace Brethren (Simi Valley, CA) College: UCLA (Highlight Video) Draft: 2025, Sixth-round pick No. 217 Acquired: 2025 Draft Contract: Four-year deal (2025), $4.35 million includes signing bonus of $153K 2025 Base Salary: $840,000 | Cap Hit $878k Profile Nov 30, 2024; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins defensive lineman Jay Toia (93) against the Fresno State Bulldogs at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images Toia is the annual flyer on a Day 3 nose tackle the Cowboys have become accustomed to. The hope, every year, is that they discover the next Jay Ratliff. Can Toia be that guy? He certainly has some enticing traits as he does have atypical movement for someone over 340 pounds. For evidence of whether or not he's doing his job well, look at how impressive the Bruins' linebacker corps looks. They were often clean, and Toia seems to be a heavy contributing factor there. Advertisement Dallas hasn't declared whether or not they'll retain Mazi Smith as their starting one-technique or try to use him in the role of backup three-technique. That will likely be the deciding factor in just how many snaps Toia could see this season, if he's able to latch onto the roster. Aside from those two, the cupboard is rather thin at NT with Justin Rogers and Denzel Daxon both being longshots of making the roster. By the time training camp ends, the Cowboys could perceivably have brought in a couple veterans to man the fort, but Toia will likely be in the team's plans in some capacity. Follow Cowboys Wire on Facebook to join in on the conversation with fellow fans! This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Dallas Cowboys player profile: No. 93 Jay Toia
USA Today
27-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Could this Cowboys 7th-round rookie supplant recent 1st rounder?
The Dallas Cowboys didn't stick to the proverbial script when it came to their 2025 draft class. The team had clear needs entering the weekend, but instead of trying to find the best available player at those key positions, Dallas simply took the best available player, needs be ignored. The team didn't take a wide receiver at all, waited until the fifth round to select a running back and the seventh round to select a nose tackle. That NT was UCLA's Jay Toia, an interesting pick to say the least. The Cowboys desperately need a man in the middle to line up next to their newly re-signed star three-technique Osa Odighizuwa; someone capable of commanding a double team and still producing. The question is whether or not Toia will be that guy, at all, much less in his rookie season. Dallas didn't throw any darts at the wall in free agency, and continued their trend of not throwing resources out the spot over the last decade outside of 2023 first-round pick Mazi Smith. Toia will have a great chance to earn snaps as a rookie. Rundown Position: Defensive Tackle Age: 26 Height: 6-foot-2 Weight: 342 pounds Hometown: Inglewood, CA High School: Grace Brethren (Simi Valley, CA) College: UCLA (Highlight Video) Draft: 2025, Sixth-round pick No. 217 Acquired: 2025 Draft Contract: Four-year deal (2025), $4.35 million includes signing bonus of $153K 2025 Base Salary: $840,000 | Cap Hit $878k Profile Toia is the annual flyer on a Day 3 nose tackle the Cowboys have become accustomed to. The hope, every year, is that they discover the next Jay Ratliff. Can Toia be that guy? He certainly has some enticing traits as he does have atypical movement for someone over 340 pounds. For evidence of whether or not he's doing his job well, look at how impressive the Bruins' linebacker corps looks. They were often clean, and Toia seems to be a heavy contributing factor there. Dallas hasn't declared whether or not they'll retain Mazi Smith as their starting one-technique or try to use him in the role of backup three-technique. That will likely be the deciding factor in just how many snaps Toia could see this season, if he's able to latch onto the roster. Aside from those two, the cupboard is rather thin at NT with Justin Rogers and Denzel Daxon both being longshots of making the roster. By the time training camp ends, the Cowboys could perceivably have brought in a couple veterans to man the fort, but Toia will likely be in the team's plans in some capacity. Follow Cowboys Wire on Facebook to join in on the conversation with fellow fans!
USA Today
16-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Do the Cowboys have unrealistic expectations for this first-round pick in 2025?
Do the Cowboys have unrealistic expectations for this first-round pick in 2025? The Dallas Cowboys haven't lowered their expectations for Mazi Smith much over the years and remain bullish on his role in 2025 Revisiting expectations is an important part of the evaluation process. It recalibrates narratives and helps to set future expectations. For a slow developing player like Mazi Smith, it provides a winnable playing field amidst constant scrutiny. The elephant in the room and the scarlet letter sure to bias evaluations is Smith's draft pedigree and the immediate expectations that came with it. As athe 2023 first-round pick, Smith came to the Dallas Cowboys with sky-high expectations. He was a draft prospect from a major football program in Michigan and topped Bruce Feldman's Freaks List as icing on the cake. Smith was an undeveloped pass rusher, but he had strength, stoutness and an athletic profile that made that appear to be nothing more than a bump in the road. Obviously, his shortcomings as a pass rusher proved to be a much bigger issue than anyone expected and his difficulties getting off the ball, holding up against blocks and stopping the run were equally as troublesome. Year 1 for Smith was nothing short of a bust. Expectations understandably changed in his second season. To those outside the organization, Smith was no longer looked at as a budding star but rather a guy just trying to crack a rotation. Internally the expectations changed but they still continued to run high. The Cowboys parted with top 1-tech defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins and essentially handed the starting job to Smith. It was a big opportunity for a player who graded at the very bottom of the league a year before, but a statement of faith and expectations from the franchise who drafted him. Did Mazi Smith meet expectations in 2024? Smith showed improvement in his second NFL season but given the role the Cowboys asked him to play, he unquestionably fell short of expectations. For the second time in as many seasons Smith graded as one of the worst interior defensive linemen in the NFL, struggling to maintain his gaps, stop the run, or offer pressure. He again struggled to get off on the snap from which he found it nearly impossible to recover. What are Mazi Smith expectations in 2025? Once again, the Cowboys have pushed Smith into a key role this season. Despite his struggles in all areas of the game, he's the favorite to start next to Osa Odighizuwa at DT in 2025. Dallas will likely add a veteran 1-tech to the mix between now and training camp, but that player will probably be nothing more than rotational. The expectations aren't that Smith will suddenly lead the NFL in interior pressure, become an overnight Pro Bowler, or be the second coming of Russell Maryland as a run-stuffer. Expectations aren't that he's going to be the source of highlights or suddenly grade well in Pro Football Focus' often problematic IDL grading process. Expectations are Smith becomes a player of average starting ability in 2025. Based on the first two seasons of work, those are lofty expectations, but expectations nonetheless. The Cowboys are asking Smith to live up to his pedigree and achieve what his athletic profile indicates he can achieve. They need Smith to be stout against the run, maintain the front of the pocket in passing situations and play like an asset rather than a liability. Is that too much to ask for? Follow Cowboys Wire on Facebook to join in on the conversation with fellow fans!
