The 2023 NFL Draft will be a great event for teams to start building for their future. Here is the Mazi Smith 2023 NFL Draft Profile.
Position: Defensive Line
School: Michigan
Size: 6-foot-3, 323 pounds
Class: Redshirt Junior
2022 Stats: 48 total tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 0.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery
Smith played a big role for Michigan over the last two seasons, seeing personal and team success. He is now in the 2023 NFL Draft.
As a four-star recruit, Smith decided to stay in his home state and play for the Wolverines. He played in two games during the 2019 season. Smith saw limited time in 2020, registering three total tackles and one tackle for loss. In 2021, Smith moved into the starting lineup, tallying 37 total tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss. His play helped Michigan go 12-2 and get an appearance in the College Football Playoff. In 2022, Smith had 48 total tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss. He helped Michigan return to the College Football Playoff for the second-straight season.
Following the appearance in the College Football Playoff, Smith declared for the 2023 NFL Draft. He is currently projected to be a day-two pick.
Smith has great size for an interior defensive lineman. He stands at 6-foot-3 and 323 pounds, which gives him great play strength. With his size comes good length, as he has 33 and 3/4 inch arms. His measurables will enable him to play nose tackle at the NFL level.
For his size, Smith is extremely athletic. He shows good quickness and agility that shouldn’t be possible for players of his size. Smith also has good flexibility for a player on the interior. What makes him such a tough matchup is his ability to move quickly at his size.
He is specifically good against the run. He shows the ability to take on single blocks well and sheds them. His quickness then helps track down ball carriers that come within a few steps of him. He also has the ability to take on multiple blocks to free up his teammates to make plays.
Smith’s value will be limited because he is not much of a pass rusher. He can push the pocket, but it is probably best if teams put better athletes on the field in pass-rushing situations. Teams may want to take interior linemen in the draft that can provide them with a better pass rush.
He is slow to get out of his stance at the snap of the ball. While he has quickness otherwise, Smith jumps late at the snap. This puts him a step behind offensive linemen and can derail whole plays. He needs to work on timing the snap to be more effective.
His motor can run hot and cold. There are times where he can make plays and show effort, but other times he could show more dedication to the play. He’ll need to show NFL teams that he can show good effort on every play.
Projected Draft Range: Second-Round Pick
Draft Grade: Second Round Pick-Third Round Pick
Make sure to check out our NFL Draft page for more content like Mazi Smith 2023 NFL Draft Profile!
You can like The Game Haus on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for more sports and esports articles from great TGH writers!
