Mazi Smith selected in first round of 2023 NFL Draft

Mazi Smith is off the board. The former Michigan standout defensive lineman has been selected by the Dallas Cowboys as the No. 26 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Smith played in 35 games over 4 years at Michigan, making 28 starts for the Wolverines. He received All-Big Ten recognition each of the last 2 seasons while helping U-M win back-to-back conference championships and make the College Football Playoff.

Smith earned a starting spot on Michigan’s defensive line as a junior in 2021. He made 37 tackles including 2.5 for loss, 4 pass breakups, and 4 quarterback hurries to help the Wolverines secure their first B1G title under Jim Harbaugh. He returned for 2022, building off the strong showing in 2021.

This past season, Smith started all 14 games at nose tackle. He recorded 48 tackles with 2.5 for loss and 1 forced fumble which he recovered, along with 1 quarterback hurry. Smith was a 4-time B1G Defensive Player of the Week and was a consensus All-Big Ten first-team selection.

DT Mazi Smith, Michigan

*Wide stance and base
*Plays into OL
*POWERFUL
*Stack and shed ability with very good hand placement
*Gets under OL’s pads
*SHOCK in his hands
*Versatility and athleticism to align at NT and some 3t situations
*Consistently creates stalemates on combo… pic.twitter.com/TCAJ8bvYUc

— Erik Turner (@ErikJTurner) April 3, 2023

Andrew Olson

A former Florida beat reporter, Andrew writes for the Saturday Tradition News Desk.