The Dallas Cowboys have no shortage of players who are under pressure to perform this season. However, no player is under a bigger microscope than 2023 first-round pick Mazi Smith.
It is blindingly obvious that Smith has not lived up to his first-round billing. Say what you will about how Dan Quinn used the former Michigan star as a rookie. The fact of the matter is Smith was brought in to stop the run and he hasn't done that.
With Brian Schottenheimer taking over at head coach and Matt Eberflus replacing Mike Zimmer as defensive coordinator, Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram believes Smith's starting role is far from guaranteed.
Cowboys 2023 first-round pick Mazi Smith could be out of a starting job this season
Harris referenced a quote where Schottenheimer said he won't be handing out starting jobs. The first-year head coach wants to create as much competition at positions that call for it. Nose tackle fits that bill right alongside running back, cornerback and linebacker.
With that in mind, Harris would not be surprised if seventh-round pick Jay Toia supplanted Smith in the starting lineup.
"If Smith hits the field for his third season in the league with a similar approach to his first two, it could be Toia’s job to take. With his wide presence and proven run-stop ability, Toia has natural advantages despite being a seventh-round selection ..."
"Simply put, if Smith can’t stop the run in 2025, it will be Toia’s name we see in the middle of the defensive line moving forward."
None of that should come as a surprise. The Cowboys cannot afford to keep trotting Smith out there this season if he doesn't show any improvement.
Entering his third year, Smith is among the most experienced interior defenders on the roster. Speaking strictly in terms of nose tackles, Smith is the elder statesman. Behind him, it's Toia, 2024 seventh-round pick Justin Rogers and second-year undrafted free agent Denzel Daxon.
Read more:Cowboys' running back stealing the show at OTAs (and it's not who you think)
Adding a veteran would go a long way as far as restoring hope about the defensive line, but Smith is officially out of excuses to perform in training camp.
While Toia is a seventh-round rookie, he brings a wide 335-pound frame and proven track record of stopping the run at UCLA. He compiled 16 run stops in 12 games last season, per Harris. He lacks pass-rushing upside, but Osa Odigzhiwa and Solomon Thomas will carry that burden.
Smith was arguably the strongest prospect in the 2023 class, but that has not manifested on the field. He continues to struggle at the basics required to execute the position at an adequate level. His 35.9 run-defense grade ranked 201st out of 219 interior defenders last year, per PFF.
It is time for Smith to put up or shut up.