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Mazi Smith, Michigan DT, reportedly receives pre-draft interest from majority of NFL teams
By Paul Harvey
Published:
Mazi Smith was an anchor for Michigan’s defensive line each of the past two seasons. Now, he’s preparing for the 2023 NFL Draft, and reports indicate a majority of teams in the NFL have shown an interest in the defensive tackle.
According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, Smith is taking a Top 30 visit on Wednesday with the Buffalo Bills. Each NFL team is allowed to visit with up to 30 players as a part of the pre-draft process.
Rapoport also reports Smith has over 20 meetings or visits with teams during the process. The Kansas City Chiefs, Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys are some of the prominent teams mentioned in Rapoport’s report.
#Michigan DL Mazi Smith is on a Top 30 visit today with the #Bills today, source said. He’s had over 20 meetings or visits with teams, including the #Chiefs and #Steelers meeting with him at Michigan. Among others: #Bears, #Eagles, #Cowboys, #AZCardinals, and #Saints.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 12, 2023
Smith finished his Michigan career with 88 total tackles, including a career-best 48 tackles, 2.5 TFL and half a sack with a forced fumble during the 2022 season. Though his numbers do not jump off the page, his athleticism does with his 6-foot-3 and 326-pound frame.
Draft outlook for Mazi Smith
At this point, it’s unclear if Smith has enough interest to become a first-round pick in the draft. In his latest mock draft for ESPN, Mel Kiper Jr. has Smith projected to go No. 41 overall to the Arizona Cardinals.
Even if he does not come off the board as a first-round pick, Smith should be an early pick and has all the signs to make an early impact in his NFL career.
Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.