Earlier today, our very own Brandon Clements took a look at the first wave of draft scores that came right after the draft. The scores listed came from popular sites like CBS Sports, PFF, and SI.com, to name a few.
Now let’s look at the second wave of scores that appeared throughout the day.
To be classed as a draft mere hours after the last pick is frowned upon by the most hardcore football fan who knows drafts can’t really be classed until three to four years after the fact. Regardless, what the scores do – to an extent – is capture the national media reaction about the draft immediately after it’s over. The first wave of scores was all over the place, so has the opportunity improved with more time?
The Cowboys seem to have a first-round pitch in Smith, so they’re definitely giving themselves good grades for the pick.
Mazie Smith was 14th overall on the Cowboys draft board. Stephen Jones noted that the Cowboys had 11 first-round scores for players. “Who gives the photo—?” Jerry Jones said. “We get it.”
– Todd Archer (@toddarcher) April 28, 2023
Below, we take a look at 11 more spots that have submitted their review for the Cowboys, and as one reviewer notes below, the selection may not be exciting, but could it be the key to winning the NFC East?
TouchdownWire Compares with Dontari Poe: b +
The Cowboys had a genuine need for an inside hole jack with penetrating potential in the middle of the Dan Quinn defense, and Smith certainly fit that bill. Smith is more than just a big guy who absorbs blockers so others can shine—at his best, he can break down offensive lines himself, and he brings Dontari Poe to mind as a quick, nimble guy who should boost everything the Cowboys want to do with their rushing passes, and add So much against running. Smith can also field well, and the Cowboys are doing a lot of that under Quinn. The new DC should also be able to bring more juice to Smith’s game.
NFL.com It doesn’t provide any specific score, but Bucky Brooks talks about a “Massive playmaker” cowboy.
Smith is an elite athlete with interesting gadgets and disruptive potential. The Uncut Diamond needs to become more consistent, but they can evolve into a massive playmaker under Dallas’s Dan Quinn.
Fox Sports Smith likes as a potential hitter for the Eagles. b +
A pounder over 320-degrees can often not be described as a “spin”, but there is a blast in Smith that is unusual for a player of his build, justifying a first-round pick for a player seen as mostly a fast defender. This is the antithesis of the typical Jerry Jones choice. Instead of flashbacks, Smith provides the raw power and makes Dallas more consistent at the line of scrimmage—essential if the Cowboys are ever to overtake Philadelphia in the NFC East.
David Hillman Add:
As the team’s owner and general manager, Jerry Jones eloquently stated when asked if Smith finished 13th or 14th on the draft board: “Who gives a s**t? We got it.”
If the check itself didn’t send the message, it might. The Cowboys’ goal was to get bigger and more physical. message received.
sports news: B
The Cowboys arrived a little short, but they filled a direct need for a nose tackle that could spot start from them with an impressive combination of power and speed.
the athlete He also says that the choice was elusive: B
Dallas had needs at a tight end and defensive tackle, and the Cowboys chose the latter to fortify a below-average defense. Smith (6-3, 323) puts out 34 reps at 225 pounds and is physically enduring, even against double teams. There are questions about the constant effort and his inability to finish in the middle, but they will be addressed.
The No. 1 player on Bruce Feldman’s 2022 sentiment list, Smith’s influence is felt more than his stats. In the past two seasons, Smith has only put up two sacks, but has generated 33 quarterback hurries, according to PFF. Swinging between playing above position and switching to a three-man style, Smith can play effectively.
Yahoo Sports: B
Smith isn’t the most dynamic defensive tackle, but he fills a huge need for the Cowboys with a slam dunk into the middle of their defense. Smith has little rushing ability, but his main role is to stop the race.
SB nation: The selection may not be exciting, but could it be the key to winning the East? B
I think I like the idea of Mazie Smith more than the actual player at the moment. Smith is a big, powerful nose tackle who could become a real force in all three crises, but he’s so incongruous with his level of pad and drive that his selection comes with inherent risks. The Cowboys struggled to stop runs last year, and Smith can come in and do just that as he develops into a three-hitter. The nose tackle isn’t an exciting pick, but with the teams they have to play for in the NFC, he’s an important piece. However, he will need some good training.
MassLive Unappreciated but clear judgment: “A little off the radar, but underrated.”
There were a bunch of flashy options for Dallas here. But instead, they improved the inside of their defense by adding a powerful lineman.
in order to win“The rich get richer” B-
Smith is a “riches get richer” selection for a defense that ranked second in DVOA of the year last fall. While it was surprising to see Jerry Jones miss himself at tight end who looks a lot like Jason Witten (Michael Meyer), there’s no denying Smith’s value as a shooting lead. The nose tackle was a sure need with Jonathan Hankins and Quinton Bohana currently the two best on the team at the position.
Smith is gruff, but he can quickly learn the ropes for a team talented enough to grow despite his growing pains upfront – even if Brian Pressey or Keanu Benton would be better suited to a direct role in Dallas.
ringer He also likes the positive side of this choice and gives it value B-
The Cowboys continue to build in the trenches, adding sporty high-top eaters with this pick. The former Wolverines star brings sophisticated athleticism and potential to add to the team’s already talented pass rushing collection — but that’s a huge letdown, as Smith finished his college career with just half a sack in 35 career games. I see this as a tall order for Dallas – Smith is the 47th-ranked player – but he can prove me wrong in that assessment if he can unlock his fast-passing skill set.
ESPN’s Todd Archer He has no appreciation but offers this perspective:
What we hear: The Cowboys strength defensively is their pass rush with Micah Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence, Dorance Armstrong, Sam Williams and Dante Fowler Jr., but McCarthy believes the addition of Smith can make them better in 2023 by influencing the run defense. He said, “We’ve got an elite passing group, and just the fact of the matter is, when your running defense gets better, you’ve obviously got more distance and longer runs with it, which tilts the field toward the rush of passes.”
Now that you’ve had a full night and a half a day to think things over, how do you feel about the choice?