With the first round of this year’s draft now in the books, strong opinions across the various platforms will ensue. There will definitely be some people happy with this year’s first-round pick, as well as those who will fall on the other side of the coin. Whichever side of the coin it falls on, it will not be known for at least the majority of the first decade whether or not Mazi Smith was a good pick.
All over the national sports media landscape, those infamous scores would start to play out well before Smith put down his shoulder pads and put that superstar on his helmet. Interestingly, some of these scores and reactions may seem quite similar to those you might share in person. The total can also be 180 as well, and that’s okay too.
As you’ll see below, there are a lot of scores handed because the first round of the draft is still very fresh in the minds of those who tune in to the event annually. Let’s take a look at what the pundits are saying about your newest Dallas Cowboys rookie.
the athlete She didn’t specifically make a sign, but seemed indifferent to the choice
This is an interesting move with the identity going, as it compares Mazi Smith’s playing style to what we know of a typical Dan Quinn defense. Smith is a tough player with long arms, and he delivers the insides better than any defensive tackle in this draft that isn’t named Jalen Carter. For his size and stature, Smith’s athletic ability is above average, but not exceptional, and here I wonder what Quinn has planned for his new cut. Quinn’s defense has been about explosive speed for years now, but it’s possible that Dallas is looking to play a little more on the inside to take the load out of their linebackers as running backs — and Quinn may have different priorities now with the All-Pro rushing pass in his back pocket. . If Smith can replicate his strength as a rushing defender at the next level, he’ll fill a gap that stands in the way of that team winning games in the postseason.
Tennessee appears to be very high on this selection: a-
Instant score: A- minus
analysis: Smith will be able to play in all crises once he adjusts to the professional game. He’s one of the best players in the class at absorbing blocks without giving up the ground on a running game, and has some power rushing passes as well.
Briscoe House CBS Sports He likes this pick: a
“Smith is one of my favorite players. He’s a solid player who can hold up against a run, but I think he’s going to be more quick on passes than people expect. He just needs to keep his weight in check.”
House game Not a fan of selection: c
Dallas reached for Smith and would only be able to use it against a run.
PFF doesn’t like contouring, but he doesn’t hate it either because he went with it “middle” class here.
It may not be an exciting selection, but for a team that has struggled to stop running consistently lately, it makes a lot of sense. An impressive athlete for someone his size, Smith posted PFF grades of 75.0 or better in each of the past two seasons.
sided fan I really like this selection and franchising a- for their efforts on the first night.
At 6-foot-3 and 326 pounds, he’s a legitimate nose tackle who can dominate in the middle of the field. The QB sneaks that the Eagles were famous for last season probably wouldn’t have worked out so well if they had to get rid of Mazie Smith, a quarterback.
Smith can push the pocket but he won’t get many sacks. However, he had 88 tackles with the Wolverines and six tackles for loss.
The Dallas Cowboys have invested a bunch of draft resources on the offensive and defensive fronts over the past decade and this was another smart pick. I’ll let the score down a bit because Smith isn’t a rush to pass but late in the first round he’s making a solid impact.
Pro Football Network Depending on who was still on the board in pick 26, he was simply good with the pick: B-
Mazie Smith is a fine but inconsistent soccer player with the potential to become one of the greatest inside linebackers in the league. Smith has pure, unadulterated strength in his 320-pound frame, but also the athleticism to move up and down the defensive line. The Cowboys play a lot of games on their defensive line, and he’s an ideal candidate for that.
Plus, if his recognition continues to progress, he will become one of the best defensive nose tackles in the NFL. But he also has the explosiveness in the bottom half to be a problem as a fast passer, too.
Even though he was one of my favorites throughout the draft process, with players like Nolan Smith and Joey Porter Jr. on the board, it’s impossible to give an A pick.
SI.com He feels this is a bit far-fetched but loves his upside: B
Dallas added a strong defensive tackle to an interior defensive line that was inconsistent at times last season. Smith, who has been an edge over Brian Pressey, is a productive run stopper who has an upside as a forward. The Cowboys may have made it here, but they needed depth on the defensive line in a division that featured the mobile Jalen Hurts.
Kings Nation Project It is noted that it is strictly specialized which reflects in degree: c +
The Cowboys might have taken Dalton Kincaid here if the Bills hadn’t taken them over. I would have made a better choice. But Smith is a beast on the inside and has to let Micah Parsons let loose more often. Smith’s size and power on the court exudes his speed, but it’s likely he’ll end up specializing as a run stopper and not adding as many holes as a pass tackle.
clutch points The notes are safe but not glamorous: B-
This is not a sexy cowboy pick. With a player considered a top 10 talent in the draft like Nolan Smith still available, there’s a strong chance the front office will look back and move toward what could have been. However, Dallas landed a solid block on Smith and filled perhaps the biggest defensive tackle position they needed.
This was a safe pick for the Cowboys. Jerry Jones and the front office identified the greatest position Dallas needed and picked the best player on the board for the position. They’ve lost some serious star power by doing so, but they’ve given the defense a chance to go from great to elite by helping shore up one of their biggest weaknesses.
Ovarian report The potential is there, but the consistency is not: c-
When The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman named Mazie Smith the Athlete of the Year last collegiate season, the defensive tackle automatically morphed into a top prospect, even though his play doesn’t guarantee elite status.
In Smith’s case, his performance did not match his potential. The 6’3″ and 323 lbs defender shines with his natural athleticism and strength at the point of attack. He can be an overwhelming presence when his engine is hot and he plays with the right leverage.
However, the inconsistencies that appear on the tape must be eliminated. Smith can’t keep playing at the high level he does regularly or his great assets will mean nothing against the pro blockers.
Smith’s idea is now better than reality.
How do you feel in the morning after making this choice?