Sunday, January 22, 2023

2023 NFL Draft Prospect DT Mazi Smith

DT Mazi Smith:






Articles:

Pete Prisco's 2023 NFL Draft Better-Than Team (Mazi Smith, DT, Michigan - There is a chance Smith will be a first-round pick, but I think he has the tools to become a Pro Bowl player, even if he doesn't go in the first. He is strong and can push the pocket. There are times when he has lapses during a game, but the right coach will get that out of him. At his best, he's a force against the run who can also rush the passer. Smith's best football is in front of him. At 6-foot-3 and 323 pounds, he has good size and power. He does have a tendency to wear down in games, which means he has to be in better shape. The traits are all there.) (4-27-28):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/better-than-team-for-2023-nfl-draft-here-are-the-prospects-pete-prisco-likes-more-than-scouts-do/

2023 NFL Draft: PFF analysts name their favorite draft prospects (JOHN OWNING: DI MAZI SMITH, MICHIGAN (Big Board Rank: 36, Mock Draft ADP: 34.6):  At 6-foot-3 and 323 pounds, Smith pairs ideal size and strength to go with notable athleticism (No. 1 on Bruce Feldman’s Freaks list) for a nose tackle who lives between the A-gaps. At Michigan, Smith wasn’t able to leverage his top-shelf athleticism due to playing in a two-gapping role that forced him to read and react rather than play forward and create backfield havoc, but in the NFL, he should get more opportunities to show off his athletic gifts.  Smith should grow into the cornerstone of a team’s run defense while displaying more promise as a pass-rusher than he ever showed at Michigan with time.) (4-27-23):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-my-guys-pff-favorite-prospects

NFL draft preview: Pass rushers will go early, though questions linger (At defensive tackle, Kancey is a blur of a pass rusher, though his short arms (30 5/8 inches) could be a disqualifier for some teams. It’s a thin interior line group behind Carter and Kancey. Bresee and Michigan’s Smith are likely top-50 picks, South Carolina’s Zacch Pickens should hear his name called later on because of his pass rush potential and Wisconsin’s Keeanu Benton is as experienced as any run stopper in the draft.) (4-26-23):  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2023/04/26/nfl-draft-preview-pass-rushers-will-anderson-jalen-carter/70152516007/

2023 NFL Draft Week Rumors Wednesday (Some large defensive linemen who could interest Buffalo in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft could include Michigan's Mazi Smith and Clemson's Bryan Bresee. Sources say that Pittsburgh's Calijah Kancey is not a fit because he is too similar to Ed Oliver as an undersized fast defender.  If the Bills were to take an offensive lineman on Thursday night, they could look to the defensive line on Day 2. Smith might slide, and other options for Buffalo could include Florida defensive tackle Gervon Dexter and Baylor's Siaki Ika.) (4-26-23):  https://walterfootball.com/nflhotpress/article/2023-NFL-Draft-Week-Rumors-Wednesday

Five potential surprise NFL draft first-round picks: New name at QB? (Mazi Smith, DT, Michigan:  While Smith is an incredible athlete in his own way, no one will confuse the 6-3, 323-pounder for the likes of White or Adebawore. That's OK, as Smith offers a distinct skill set that should still be of great interest to many teams.  A force in the middle, Smith is bound to command double teams every down with his superlative strength. While his playmaking production was modest at Michigan (½ sack in 28 starts and 35 career games), he should still disrupt offenses by pushing the pocket and engulfing ball carriers at the line of scrimmage. Given the proliferation of Vic Fangio-style defenses that depend on light boxes and two-high shells, Smith should have plenty of suitors. He could be in demand for several teams late in the first round, including the Cowboys (No. 26), Saints (No. 29) and Eagles (No. 30).) (4-25-23):  https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2023/04/25/nfl-draft-surprise-first-round-picks-hendon-hooker/11728105002/

2023 NFL Draft: What Does the Defensive Tackle Class Look Like Behind Jalen Carter? (Defensive Tackle Notable Mentions - There are defensive tackles throughout the draft that could become plug-and-play starters from Day 1. However, the drop-off from the top to the second tier could push some to be taken earlier than expected.  After Carter and Kancey, a few names to monitor would be Northwestern’s Adetomiwa Adebawore, Clemson’s Bryan Bresee, Baylor’s Siaki Ika, and Michigan’s Mazi Smith.  Ika is listed at 6’3″, 335 pounds, and Smith measures 6’3″, 337 pounds. Both have the size to be traditional run-stuffing 1-techniques, while Smith has a higher upside to rush the passer, given his freakishly athletic profile. Envision both players as trash cans full of dirt clogging up running lanes.) (4-21-23):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/defensive-tackle-class-jalen-carter-2023/

Top 10 DTs in the 2023 NFL Draft: Jalen Carter Stands Tall on the Interior (7. Mazi Smith, Michigan:  It’s not often you can find a nose tackle with legitimate pass-rushing upside and similar utility against the run. The position itself remains important but has become a tough niche to fill in the modern NFL. That said, Michigan’s Mazi Smith has the tools to be a unique and valuable match.  Smith was the top Feldman Freak in the summer of 2022, with a documented 33″ vertical and a 6.95 three-cone time at 6’3″, 337 pounds. He’s an absurd athlete for his size with menacing strength. Not only can he two-gap and stack-and-shed solo blocks with ease, but Smith also has the burst and hand power to wreak havoc 1-on-1 as a pass rusher.) (4-18-23): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/top-10-defensive-tackles-in-the-2023-nfl-draft-include-bryan-bresee-and-jalen-carter/

10 thoughts on the 2023 NFL draft with 10 days to go (Candidates for surprise first-rounders - One of the questions I get asked most on radio appearances and podcasts is, who could be a surprise first-round pick?  Earlier in the evaluation period, my standard answers were Iowa EDGE Lukas Van Ness and Tennessee OL Darnell Wright. Now those two are consensus top-20 picks; my final mock draft currently has them both in the top 10. So I’ve had to find new answers. Here are three: Arkansas LB Drew Sanders, TCU OL Steve Avila, Michigan DT Mazi Smith) (4-18-23):  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/lists/2023-nfl-draft-predictions-picks/

The 2023 All-Juice Team: Terez Paylor's legacy lives on with NFL Draft prospects he'd have loved (DT Mazi Smith:  A captain for the Wolverines in 2022, we debated bumping Smith off the team after he faced a now-resolved misdemeanor concealed weapons charge late last year. But teams appear to be satisfied with his explanation that he was in the midst of completing paperwork for a concealed carry permit when the weapon was discovered during a traffic stop. That red flag aside, Smith was a valued captain for Michigan in 2022 and one of the true athletic freaks in college football, blending together elite short-area quickness and change of direction with superb size (6-foot-3, 323 pounds). Smith also isn’t a finished product, having a high ceiling in terms of development that could make him an elite player as he refines parts of his game at the pro level. He has the size of a run-stopping space-eater, but could also be so much more.) (4-19-23):  https://sports.yahoo.com/the-2023-all-juice-team-terez-paylors-legacy-lives-on-with-nfl-draft-prospects-hed-have-loved-140030559.html

What Are Mazi Smith’s 4 Best NFL Team Fits? (4-13-23):  https://thedraftnetwork.com/mazi-smith-nfl-draft-bills-cowboys-chiefs-dolphins/

Most polarizing draft prospects: 10 names to debate (Mazi Smith
Michigan · DT · Junior (RS):  Argument for: It's hard to find 300-pound defensive tackles with light feet and explosive pop. Smith is a dancing bear at the line of scrimmage with outstanding agility and change-of-direction quickness. With the Michigan standout flashing heavy hands and a powerful punch, the 6-3, 323-pound run-stopper has piqued the interest of coaches and scouts looking for an anchor in the middle.   Argument against: Prior to last season, Smith earned the venerable distinction of being named the No. 1 player on Bruce Feldman's "Freaks List." But the DT's spectacular athletic feats have not resulted in consistent production. Though he has the foundation to develop into a plug-and-play starter, he needs to turn his practice habits into game production to earn a spot at the top of the depth chart.   Where I stand: It is hard to bypass a big-bodied defender with the rare athletic traits Smith displays in workouts. Although the talent and tools don't always translate into elite production or performance, an exceptional coach could help the former Wolverine master a few maneuvers that could help him contribute as a disruptive interior defender.) (4-13-23):  https://www.nfl.com/news/2023-nfl-draft-pro-comparisons-and-analytical-team-fits-for-top-quarterback-pros

2023 NFL Draft: Trevor Sikkema's top 5 players at each defensive position (5. Mazi Smith:  Bresee and Smith are two more interior players who possess intriguing athletic upside, and they should still be top-60 selections, even as the fourth- and fifth-ranked players on this list. ) (4-13-23):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-top-five-players-defense-2023-nfl-draft-sikkema

2023 NFL Draft: The top 8 interior defensive linemen (5. Mazi Smith, Michigan (Height: 6′ 2¾” (35th percentile), Weight: 323 (87th), Bench Press: 34 reps (88th), Arm Length: 33¾” (70th), Hand Size: 9¾” (37th)) - Bio: A four-star recruit out of East Kentwood High School in Kentwood, Michigan, Smith chose to stay close to home with the Wolverines, made an impact on the scout team as a freshman and sophomore, and started to make a serious impact as a started in 2021. Over four seasons with Michigan, Smith totaled two sacks, 11 quarterback hits, 33 quarterback hurries, 70 tackles, 55 stops, and one forced fumble. He had 834 snaps in the B-gaps, 346 in the A-gaps, 46 over the tackles, and two outside the tackles.  Stat to Know: Five of Smith’s 25 pressures last season came off the edge, or to the inside shoulder of the offensive tackle, which is pretty interesting for a guy his size.  Strengths: Not that you’d want to put Smith on the edge all the time at his size, but the ways in which he’s able to truck some really good offensive tackles from outside should make his NFL defensive coaches think evil schematic thoughts.  Back to the inside, where we can see Smith using swipe moves to scoot past blockers, along with a nasty snatch-and-grab, showing his estimable upper-body strength.  As a run defender, Smith can erase blockers with those strong hands (if he gets those hands on you, your rep is done), but I’m a bit more intrigued with his movement skills at his size to displace opponents with short-area quickness. He’s more than just an earthmover.  Weaknesses: Too often, especially in power situations, Smith will be late off the snap, and then, you see just how quickly even a massive athletic freak can lose all of his leverage advantage. Someone with his athletic profile shouldn’t get thrown around like this.  There is an occasional lack of urgency to Smith’s game that will get him wiped out even against single blockers. Obviously, he’ll have to ratchet that up if he wants to make the most of his outstanding tools.  Conclusion: Were you to compile a reel of Smith’s best plays from the 2022 season — and there are enough of them for that to take a while — you might wonder why he isn’t talked about as a potential first-round pick. Then, you see the stuff that needs work, and the bursts of plays in which the required urgency just isn’t there, and then you know. Smith has every attribute to be a plus disruptor and run defender from multiple gaps, which makes him an ideal prototype for today’s NFL. You would just like to see the juice level a bit higher at times.  NFL Comparison: Dontari Poe. Like Smith, Poe was an athletic marvel whose best work showed every bit of that physical prowess, and whose lesser snaps left you wondering what might have been. At his best, when he made the Pro Bowl in 2013 and 2014 for the Chiefs (who took him 11th overall in the 2012 draft based on those traits), Poe put it all together in a fearsome package. But there is a caveat emptor element to Smith’s tape that some NFL teams will likely minimize or ignore, based on what they think they can coach him up to be… and maybe they’re right!) (4-7-23):  https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/lists/2023-nfl-draft-defensive-tackles-jalen-carter-calijah-kancey/

2023 NFL Draft: Best draft fits for every role along the defensive line and DL rankings (0-TECHNIQUE (NFL Prototype: Damon Harrison, 2023: Mazi Smith, Michigan):  The zero-technique isn’t a massively utilized role anymore. The position is characterized by being able to two-gap centers in the run game and push pockets enough to be annoying against the pass. Harrison was the single-best run defender from this alignment over the past decade with a 93.0 run defense grade for his career on the nose (no one else was higher than 90.6 the past decade).  Smith shares the same level of elite upper body strength to control centers with two locked-out arms. In fact, both Harrison and Smith did 34 bench press reps in their pre-draft process. Smith really came into his own as a senior with an 81.3 run-defense grade this past fall. He figures to be the first nose tackle taken in April.) (3-29-23):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2023-nfl-draft-best-draft-fits-for-every-role-along-defensive-line-jalen-carter-mazi-smith-siaki-ika

2023 NFL Draft DT prospect rankings: Jalen Carter leads a gifted group (5. Mazi Smith, Michigan, 6-3, 323, Junior - Overview: Smith signed with Michigan in 2019 as a consensus four-star recruit out of Grand Rapids but he had to wait his turn in the football assembly line Jim Harbaugh has brought back to Ann Arbor, not developing into a fulltime starter until 2021. Smith registered 37 tackles, including 2.5 for loss, to earn honorable-mention All-Big Ten honors that year before vaulting to First Team accolades with 48 stops this past season, with another 2.5 for loss and a half-sack against Colorado that served as the only one of his college career.Strengths: Explosiveness personified. Opponents feel his power immediately, with Smith anchoring and then pushing forward, often resetting the line of scrimmage. He can bully would-be blockers with his upper body strength, which was demonstrated at the Combine with 34 repetitions (most among all defenders in 2023), a number all the more impressive considering Smith’s long arms (33 ¾"). He complements his size and raw power with shockingly light feet, slipping through cracks in the line of scrimmage and closing quickly. He seemingly is just scratching the surface of his potential. Concerns: Not the sum of his parts — at least not yet. Too often, Smith allows his pads to get too high, negating his trademark power and thereby sheathing his own sword. Further, given how athletic he is, Smith is much better going north and south than east and west, struggling to redirect quickly enough to actually finish plays in the open field. There are a lot of "almost" plays on tape where Smith is seemingly be in perfect position to make the play, only to have the ballcarrier inexplicably slip by with a subtle hesitation move or quick dip.  Bottom Line: It isn’t often that a 320+ pounder can be described as "coiled-up," but there is an explosiveness to Smith that is unusual for a player of his build and that may earn him an early selection.  Grade: Second round) (3-28-23):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/2023-nfl-draft-dt-prospect-rankings-jalen-carter-leads-a-gifted-group

4 takeaways from Charles Davis' 1st NFL Network mock draft (Mazi Smith sneaks into the first round - The defensive tackle class this year is a diverse group in terms of skill sets and players come in all shapes and sizes. But if you are looking for a massive nose tackle the options are more limited. Thanks to a strong offseason, Michigan’s Mazi Smith has set himself apart. Seeing him go at No. 30 to the Eagles is no surprise.) (3-24-23):  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/lists/4-takeaways-from-charles-davis-1st-nfl-network-mock-draft/

Ranking the top DTs in this year’s class (Tier 3 — Early Day 2 guys - Mazi Smith (Michigan), 6-foot-3, 323 pounds:  Re-signing Isaiah Buggs was a big move for the Lions. He was a big-time contributor and earned a full-time role once they moved McNeill to more of a 3-technique role. The Lions could alleviate some of the pressure on Buggs by adding a talented reserve NT, though, and there are plenty to choose from—one being Michigan DT, Mazi Smith.  Smith is a force to be reckoned with and I really like what he brings to the table. His strength is unmatched by anyone in this DT class and his film has shades of Dontari Poe. His hands have some serious pop, and he can beat you with a variety of moves. Smith’s role in the NFL will be a true nose tackle, but he appears to be a little more dynamic of a pass rusher than a lot of other nose tackle prospects out there.  How he fits: 0/1-technique; nose tackle.  Round grade: Second round) (3-23-23): https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2023/3/23/23639576/2023-nfl-draft-ranking-the-top-dts-in-this-years-class

2023 NFL Draft: Defensive line prospect superlatives (BEST TWO-GAPPER/EDGE-SETTER - Interior: Mazi Smith, Michigan:  Smith is arguably the strongest defensive tackle in the draft class. His ability to be an immovable block in the middle of a defense will be in demand come late April. After a slow start to the season, Smith finished with 18 run stops over his final nine games in 2022.) (3-22-23):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2023-nfl-draft-defensive-line-prospect-superlatives

TWENTYMAN: 6 pro days to watch this week (3. Michigan, Fri., March 17 - Who to watch: This will be an opportunity for defensive tackle Mazi Smith to showcase his freakish athleticism after he opted to wait to do all of the testing but the bench press (34 reps at Combine). He's expected to test really well and will try to put himself in the first-round pick conversation.) (3-12-23):  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/6-pro-days-to-watch-this-week-carter-murphy-smith

Every top-10 interior defender's highest-graded season (MAZI SMITH, MICHIGAN (Big board rank: 34/DI4, Best PFF grade: 79.9, 2022, 2022 Pass-rush grade: 68.5, 2022 Run-defense grade: 81.3)) (3-10-23):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2023-nfl-draft-every-top-10-interior-defenders-highest-graded-season

TWENTYMAN: Combine Day 3 observations (Top reps: Michigan's Mazi Smith led all defensive linemen with 34 reps on the bench press today. Smith will be an interesting evaluation for teams. He's a freak athlete but the production (2.5 tackles for loss and one-half sack) didn't match the athletic traits while at Michigan.) (3-3-23):  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/twentyman-combine-day-3-observations-anderson-robinson-smith-njigba

NFL combine measurements for EDGE, DL: Full list of heights, weights, 40-yard dash times for every prospect (EDGE/DL losers - Michigan NT Mazi Smith: The No. 1 player on Bruce Feldman's "Freaks List" had a chance to blow the roof off of Lucas Oil Stadium. Instead, he chose not to work out or run the 40-yard dash, per ESPN. He'll do that at Michigan's pro day on March 17.) (3-2-23):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-combine-measurements-for-edge-dl-full-list-of-heights-weights-40-yard-dash-times-for-every-prospect/

Michigan DT Mazi Smith no-shows media session at NFL combine (3-1-23):  https://www.mlive.com/wolverines/2023/03/michigan-dt-mazi-smith-no-shows-media-session-at-nfl-combine.html

2023 NFL Combine bold predictions (Michigan NT Mazi Smith has three-cone drill faster than some LBs.  Smith is arguably the best pure athlete in Indianapolis this week, particularly when his size is considered. At 6-3 and nearly 340 pounds, he moves like an outside linebacker at times. That means, the combine sets up perfectly for him to give his draft stock a significant boost.  The Athletic's Bruce Feldman reported before the season in his annual compilation of college football's most athletic players called "The Freaks List'' that Smith was timed with a three-cone under 7.00 at Michigan. That's patently absurd. Maybe this isn't considered a "bold" prediction, but a 330-plus pound defensive linemen with a faster three-cone time than many linebackers would be bananas.) (2-28-23):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2023-nfl-scouting-combine-bold-predictions-three-tight-ends-clock-under-4-55-in-40-pitt-star-shocks-more/

NFL Combine 2023: Who Will Run Fastest 40 And More (Bench Press - DT Mazi Smith:  I expect Smith to throw the barbell around. The strength and conditioning program for the Wolverines has been well documented, and Smith has been one of the program’s elite testers for some time. ) (2-26-23):  https://thedraftnetwork.com/nfl-combine-2023-40-yard-dash-bench-press-vertical-jump/

NFL Combine 2023: Anthony Richardson, Jalin Hyatt among top show-stealing draft candidates (MAZI SMITH, DL, MICHIGAN:  Smith might just be the biggest athletic freak in this year’s crop of NFL prospects. He had the on-field production, starring for a Michigan defense that helped lead it to a second-straight Big Ten Championship and College Football Playoff appearance. In 2022, he had a career-high 48 tackles with 2.5 tackles for loss and a half-sack. More importantly, he held up blockers in the middle of opposing offensive lines and allowed other defenders to get free. Smith has more than enough strength to hold up at the point of attack. Smith can do 22 reps on the bench press with 325 pounds of weight. At the combine, prospects lift 225 pounds on the bench. He also has a vertical of 33 inches, which is ridiculous for a 337-pound big man.) (2-26-23):  https://247sports.com/LongFormArticle/NFL-Combine-2023-Anthony-Richardson-Jalin-Hyatt-among-top-show-stealing-draft-candidates-205364928/#205364928_4

10 Defensive Linemen for Lions to Watch at 2023 NFL Scouting Combine (Mazi Smith, DT, Michigan:  Smith became a dominant run-stopper at Michigan, but lacked the pass-rush versatility that sets players like Carter apart. He had just six tackles for loss, plus just a half-sack in his career with the Wolverines.  Still, there’s plenty to like about Smith’s ability to dominate his gaps in the run game. Though he didn’t get to the quarterback as often, he was able to collapse pockets from the nose tackle position to help his teammates.) (2-26-23):  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-combine-preview-defensive-linemen

2023 NFL Combine preview: 10 defensive tackles the Lions should be watching (Mazi Smith, NT, Michigan, 6-foot-3, 335:  With intense power and sneaky athleticism—he was the No. 1 player on The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman’s Freaks List—Smith is a plug-and-play starting nose tackle, who when combined with McNeill, would give the Lions 670 pounds on interior bulk. If he shows out at the Combine, as expected, he may not make it to pick No. 48 in the second round.) (2-25-23):  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2023/2/25/23613277/2023-nfl-combine-preview-10-defensive-tackles-the-lions-should-be-watching

2023 NFL Combine: What scouts watch for, who to watch this year (Mazi Smith, DL, Michigan: The run-stuffing defensive tackle is an intriguing prospect with the size-strength combination to wreak havoc on opponents at the line of scrimmage. However, questions about his pass-rushing skills and an off-field incident will take center stage when he meets with evaluators in Indianapolis.) (2-24-23):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/2023-nfl-combine-what-scouts-watch-for-who-to-watch-this-year

Top Defensive Linemen to Watch at the 2023 NFL Combine: Why Georgia's Jalen Carter Stands Out | You Pod to Win the Game (CHARLES MCDONALD: Mazi Smith is kind of interesting. He's a nose tackle from Michigan. He's like 6' 3", 340. But he was on Bruce Feldman's freak list. And I think when you watch him play a little bit, you can see that. He's not the most refined player, but you're talking about someone who's 330, 340, that might run in the four eights, or even hit a four seven.  Come on, that's probably going to get you pushed up to the first round every single time.) (2-24-23):  https://sports.yahoo.com/top-defensive-linemen-watch-2023-004827925.html

2023 Combine preview: Defensive tackle (3. Mazi Smith, Michigan, 6-3, 335:  Smith is a terrific athlete who was the No. 1 player on Bruce Feldman’s Freaks List. He's got an impressive blend of power and agility. If he takes part in the bench press at the Combine it will be must-watch TV. He's going to crush all the Combine testing, actually. Once he refines some of his technique and pad level issues when he gets into an NFL system, he's got all the intangibles to be an immediate impact player.) (2-22-23):  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/2023-combine-preview-defensive-tackle-carter-bresee-smith

2023 NFL Draft Position Rankings: Interior defensive line (4. MAZI SMITH, MICHIGAN (BIG BOARD RANK: 35):  Smith is an ascending player who improved as the season went on. He's built for the NFL game.) (2-22-23):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2023-nfl-draft-position-rankings-interior-defensive-line

Is Mazi Smith Lions Defensive Tackle of Future? (2-20-23):  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/mazi-smith-lions-scouting-report

Bucky Brooks' top five 2023 NFL Draft prospects by position 1.0: Stroud, Young, Hooker top QB rankings (5.  Mazi Smith:  Smith is an elite athlete with intriguing tools as an interior defender. He flashes disruptive potential, but needs some skill refinement to become a more consistent player at the next level.)  (2-16-23):  https://www.nfl.com/news/bucky-brooks-top-five-2023-nfl-draft-prospects-by-position-1-0-stroud-young-hook


Top 15 2023 NFL Draft prospect performances from college football bowl season (13. DI MAZI SMITH, MICHIGAN WOLVERINES - Entering this season, Mazi Smith garnered significant hype as the top player on Bruce Feldman’s “Freaks List,” which ranks the top freak athletes in college football.  The senior earned a season-high 80.7 grade against third-ranked TCU in the College Football Playoff semifinal. He had two stops in the run game and forced a fumble that he recovered. Smith is a top-75 prospect on PFF’s big board.) (1-9-23):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-top-15-2023-nfl-draft-prospect-performances-college-football-bowl-season

Michigan vs. TCU 2023 NFL Draft Prospects To Watch in College Football Playoff (Mazi Smith, DT:  I have Mazi Smith graded much higher than most. I love his tenacity, athleticism, and ability to control the middle of the line. He makes a good number of plays on the football, and though not a great pass rusher, Smith does an outstanding job occupying blockers and allowing teammates to attack the quarterback. He’s expected to enter the draft, and Smith will blow up the Combine.) (12-31-22):https://www.profootballnetwork.com/michigan-vs-tcu-2023-nfl-draft-prospects-to-watch-in-college-football-playoff/

2023 NFL Draft: Ranking the top 30 senior prospects (18. DI MAZI SMITH, MICHIGAN (BIG BOARD RANK: 71):  Smith came in at No. 1 on Bruce Feldman’s freaks list in 2022, with reported workout numbers like a 6.95-second three-cone and 22 bench reps at 325 pounds — all at 337 pounds. You see flashes of that on tape, as his dominant reps are a sight to behold. Still, they aren’t as frequent as you’d like for a true senior, as indicated by his 75.5 overall grade.) (12-30-22):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2023-nfl-draft-ranking-class-top-30-senior-prospects

2023 NFL Draft: Ranking the top 10 defensive tackle prospects (5. MAZI SMITH, MICHIGAN (SENIOR | 6-3, 337) (2022 Grade: 76.8, Play Style: Stout Nose, Initial Round Projection: Early Day 2):  Smith has long-term NFL starter written all over him. When he wants to drop anchor, there’s little chance of moving him against his will. That ability alone is growing more attractive to NFL defenses trying to stop the run with light boxes.  The only question left for Smith is why four years in with one of the best athletic profiles you’ll see from a nose tackle hasn’t translated to affecting the passer more. He’s registered only 23 pressures on 368 pass-rushing snaps this season, and that may never be his game at the next level. ) (12-29-22):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2023-nfl-draft-top-10-defensive-tackle-rankings

Top 10 DTs in the 2023 NFL Draft: Jalen Carter Stands Tall on the Interior (9. Mazi Smith, Michigan:  Right now, Mazi Smith has a playoff game to worry about. But soon enough, the 2023 NFL Draft discussion regarding his stock will be impossible to ignore. There’s still a fair amount of projection within Smith’s evaluation, but he has immense upside as a nose tackle at the next level.  Smith was the top Feldman Freak this past offseason, with a documented 33″ vertical and a 6.95 three-cone time at 6’3″, 337 pounds. He’s an absurd athlete for his size with menacing strength. He sometimes aligns too far upright and negates that strength at contact, but the physical tools are all present in the Michigan defender.) (12-21-22):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/top-10-defensive-tackles-in-the-2023-nfl-draft-include-bryan-bresee-and-jalen-carter/

2023 NFL Draft Stock - Pre-Bowls II (Up - Mazi Smith, DT, Michigan:  Smith has collected 46 tackles and one sack thus far in 2022. He is a quality run defender, but he probably will get pulled out of NFL games in passing situations. Hence, Smith might be more of a rotational nose tackle. But he is a big-bodid defender who is tough and physical at the point of attack with some ability to cause disruption. Some sources think Smith might end up being a first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.) (12-20-22):  https://walterfootball.com/draft2023stock_16.php

2023 NFL Draft Consensus Big Board: Why PFN Is Lower on Will Levis, Higher on Trenton Simpson (Mazi Smith, DL Michigan (65th Nationally; 99th PFN):  It’s easy to buy into the allure of Mazi Smith as a prospect in the 2023 NFL Draft. His freakish athleticism has been well-documented, being named to Feldman’s Freaks List as a result of a 33” vertical jump, a 9’4.5” broad jump, and ludicrous three-cone and bench press recordings. Oh, did we forget to mention that he’s 6’3”, 337 pounds? Freaky.  That testing athleticism manifests itself on the field as an explosive nose tackle with the power and strength to dominate people at the point of attack. Additionally, Smith’s high-level, borderline unique athletic profile means that he’s more than just a gap-plugging big man on the defensive front.  Smith has frequently shown that he can combine his agility and explosion with some well-executed pass-rush moves to be a force in opposing backfields.  While his high-end athleticism requires your attention, there is sufficient development required to ensure a limitation to Smith’s NFL draft stock. Hence, the current positioning of 99th on the Pro Football Network Big Board.  Smith routinely plays too high and needs to work on consistently playing with lower pad level. When he plays too high, Smith can be comfortably manipulated even by interior offensive linemen that cede size and mass to him. This issue can be exacerbated by a lack of elite length, with this sometimes being apparent in his tackling.  Overall, Smith lacks consistency and control in his game to elevate him towards the earlier part of Day 2, in our opinion. Additionally, a recent (still ongoing) off-field incident involving a firearm may raise questions for teams. It’s worth adding that the Michigan staff believes “he is not and never has been considered a threat to the university or community” after being stopped for speeding and found to have a loaded Glock 19 in his vehicle.) (12-17-22):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2023-nfl-draft-consensus-big-board-disagreements-will-levis-trenton-simpson/

NFL Draft News and Rumors: Michigan Duo Mazi Smith, Mike Morris Mulling Draft Decision, and Ole Miss RB Zach Evans to Return? (Mazi Smith and Mike Morris, Michigan - Last week, I reported Wolverine cornerback DJ Turner is narrowing down his list of prospective agents and will enter the draft once the college football playoffs conclude for the Wolverines. I’m now told two more UM defenders are likely to follow suit. Word in the scouting community says defensive tackle Mazi Smith and pass rusher Mike Morris will both enter the draft.  I am much higher than most on Smith and believe he has first-round potential. Smith will be the talk of the town after the Combine, as his testing marks will be off the charts. Morris comes off a career season in which he totaled 7.5 sacks and 11 TFLs. He possesses outstanding upside but still needs work on his game. Morris will end up as a day-two selection.) (12-15-22):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-draft-news-and-rumors-underclassmen-update-mazi-smith-will-rogers-more/

2023 NFL Draft: Ranking the top 30 senior prospects (18. DI MAZI SMITH, MICHIGAN - BIG BOARD RANK: 71.  Smith came in at No. 1 on Bruce Feldman’s freaks list in 2022, with reported workout numbers like a 6.95-second three-cone and 22 bench reps at 325 pounds — all at 337 pounds. You see flashes of that on tape, as his dominant reps are a sight to behold. Still, they aren’t as frequent as you’d like for a true senior, as indicated by his 75.5 overall grade.) (12-13-22):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2023-nfl-draft-ranking-class-top-30-senior-prospects


College Football Playoff: NFL draft takeaways from semifinal matchups reveal (3. Will the playoff serve as a launching pad for a Michigan prospect?  Although the previous decade was often lean for Michigan in terms of NFL draft picks, the Wolverines are off to a great start this decade with 23 selections over the past three drafts, including four first-rounders.  But Michigan might be entering a draft cycle without a clear-cut first-round pick in 2023. The school has produced at least one Round 1 pick in four consecutive drafts, with Aidan Hutchinson going second overall earlier this year.  One of Michigan's top talents to watch is redshirt junior defensive tackle Mazi Smith, who is shockingly athletic for a man of his size (6-foot-3, 337 pounds, per school measurements). Smith is continuing to participate as a member of the team while facing a felony charge of carrying a concealed gun, and posted two tackles on Saturday in the Wolverines' win over Purdue.) (12-4-22):  https://www.nfl.com/news/college-football-playoff-nfl-draft-takeaways-from-semifinal-matchups-reveal

2022 Big Ten Championship Game: Top NFL Draft Prospects To Watch Include Blake Corum (DT Mazi Smith:  The traits are alluring with Mazi Smith, who’s a freak athlete at 6’3″, 330 pounds. It’s eye-catching watching his flashes as a pass rusher. Players his size shouldn’t have the level of juice that he does.  Smith is still seeking more consistency in both phases. Especially as a run defender, even with his frame, he can give up leverage and positioning at times. But his raw combination of athleticism, strength, and power is almost too much to deal with 1-on-1.) (12-3-22):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2022-big-ten-championship-game-top-nfl-draft-prospects-to-watch-include-blake-corum-charlie-jones/

10 Players Lions Should Watch in Michigan-Ohio State Clash (DT Mazi Smith:  Smith has never received the shine that his defensive line teammates past and present have. While he doesn’t have the numbers that the likes of Aidan Hutchinson and David Ojabo received in years past, he’s been a calming presence on Michigan’s defensive interior.  He’s generated 11 pressures this season, notching one sack. His 39 tackles ranks among the best on the Wolverine defense, and his efforts in plugging run lanes that allows other defenders to make plays doesn’t show up in a box score.  If Michigan is going to slow down Ohio State’s punishing run game, Smith will have to play a key role. His experience, which has been his strong suit, will be tested.) (11-26-22):  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/michigan-ohio-state-players-lions-should-watch

Week 13 NFL Draft Prospect Battles To Watch: Cameron Ward Duels Michael Penix Jr. (Ohio State C Luke Wypler vs. Michigan DT Mazi Smith - There are dozens of prospects to watch in the essential Big Ten East title game this weekend, but the best ones rest in the trenches.  Mazi Smith will draw the eyes on the defensive side for Michigan. At 6’3″ and over 330 pounds, he’s a massive interior defender with surprising pass-rushing juice. He hasn’t been quite as consistent holding the line as one would expect this year, however, and that’s something a sound, athletic center like Luke Wypler could exploit.) (11-26-22):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2023-nfl-draft-prospect-battles-to-watch-cfb-week-13-2022/

Michigan vs. Ohio State: The top 14 NFL Draft prospects in The Game (12. Mazi Smith, DT, Michigan — third/fourth round:  Blue-blood programs like Michigan and Ohio State are always going to attract exceptional athletes, and they simply do not come much more explosive (or hyped) than Smith, who checked in at No. 1 overall on longtime college football analyst Bruce Feldman’s annual top 100 list.  Smith’s athletic exploits read like something out of a video game, with a reported 44-inch vertical jump — which would have led all Combine invitees a year ago — and 4.41-second short shuttle time more typical of a defensive back or wide receiver than a 6-foot-3, 326-pound defensive tackle.   While scouts’ collective mouths may water more at Smith’s athleticism than a second serving of turkey and pumpkin pie, he has yet to consistently turn that potential into production, registering "just" six tackles for loss and half a sack in 27 career games for Michigan. This is why he currently ranks as more of a middle-round prospect at this point, rather than the first-round lock his traits suggest. ) (11-24-22):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-football/michigan-vs-ohio-state-the-top-14-nfl-draft-prospects-in-the-game

Michigan vs. Ohio State matchup: DL Mazi Smith vs. OL Donovan Jackson (Mazi Smith - By the numbers: Smith is the anchor of Michigan’s defensive line and a physical force at the nose position. At 6-foot-3, 337 pounds, the former four-star recruit from East Kentwood is one of the biggest players on the Wolverines’ roster. His stats don’t pop – 39 tackles (2.5 for loss) – but he’s one of the most important pieces of Jesse Minter’s unit.  What he does best:  Smith’s size is notable, but he’s effective because of his athleticism. He topped the annual “freaks” list by The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman for his ability to reportedly bench 22 reps of 325 pounds (not the typical 225), close-grip bench 550 pounds, post a 44-inch vertical jump, broad-jump 9 feet, 4 1/2 inches and run a 3-cone drill time of 6.95 seconds, which would have been the fastest among defensive tackles at last year’s NFL Scouting Combine.  How he could impact this game:  Smith can plug gaps in a hurry and regularly draws double teams. The Wolverines have the No. 1 run defense in the Big Ten, largely because of Smith’s ability to contain the A gaps. The Buckeyes can move the ball in a multitude of ways, but Smith’s primarily role will be slowing down their run game on early downs.  How to beat him: Pursuit speed isn’t one of Smith’s strengths, which bodes well if OSU ball-carriers can get to the second level. He also lacks elite pass-rushing moves and only has a half-sack in his career. Without an explosive first step, winning initial contact will be vital for OSU linemen.) (11-24-22):  https://www.mlive.com/wolverines/2022/11/michigan-vs-ohio-state-matchup-dl-mazi-smith-vs-ol-donovan-jackson.html

2023 NFL Draft Prospects Watch Week 13: Mazi Smith, Miyan Williams Look To Make Their Mark in ‘The Game’ (Mazi Smith, DT, Michigan:  Michigan holds its College Football Playoff fate in their own hands when they travel to Columbus for one of the biggest rivalry games in all of football. This game has all the ingredients that we referenced in the introduction, with a spot in the Big Ten Championship Game and CFP “final four” putting the icing on the cake of the Wolverines’ rivalry with Ohio State. Win, and they’re likely into both.  While there are multiple playmakers that hold the key to this matchup, Michigan defensive tackle Mazi Smith may prove to be pivotal. The freakish athlete — who has a documented 33″ vertical and 6.95 three-cone time despite weighing 337 pounds — combines a quick first step and excellent agility with incredible strength to be a force on the interior.  Smith’s ability to impact the passing game, as well as clog running lanes, could be the key to this Michigan defensive front winning the trench battle. With Ohio State’s ability to transition from a heavy-duty passing game to a run-focused offense in a heartbeat, Smith’s ability to disrupt in both facets of the game is extremely valuable.) (11-23-22):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2023-nfl-draft-prospects-to-watch-cfb-week-13-2022/

Draft prospects to watch during the Lions bye week (Michigan also brings some beef on the defensive line. DT Mazi Smith is a physical marvel who keeps getting better at the technical side of the game. He reminds me some of former third-rounder Larry Ogunjobi, a very athletic interior presence with a hit-and-miss style.) (10-15-22):  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/lists/2023-nfl-draft-prospects-detroit-lions-watch-list-cfb-week-7/

Detroit Lions 2023 draft watch: 7 players, including PSU CB Joey Porter Jr. (Mazi Smith, NT, Michigan (redshirt junior) - A heavy-handed nose tackle who can plug the middle while also possessing the quickness to penetrate and get home. He’s not a polished pass rusher, but his ability to reset the line of scrimmage and slip his blocks puts him in position to create tackles for loss.  Lions fit: Imagine another Alim McNeill, but more stout in his gap with a bit less penetration power. The Lions desperately need a polished nose tackle to start next to McNeill, and Smith could be an immediate starter that the Lions might find on Day 2 of the draft.  An excerpt from The Athletic’s Dane Brugler’s weekend preview:  “In most defensive schemes, the nose tackle is more space eater than productive play creator, but Smith has the natural talent to be both. The No. 1 player on Bruce Feldman’s Freaks List, Smith is a hard guy to move from his spot, even when facing double teams, and powers through contact to make stops (tied for third on the team with 23 tackles). Smith has been averaging 42.2 defensive snaps per game and doesn’t leave the field for long stretches.”  An excerpt from The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman’s 2022 Freaks list:  “The Wolverines also do a workout on their combo-twist machine, which is designed to show a player’s ability to rotate an opponent but also their ability to resist being rotated in the trenches. Smith had the machine completely tapped out. There was only enough room for 300 pounds on each side of the machine for a 600-pound max”) (10-15-22):  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2022/10/15/23401536/detroit-lions-2023-draft-watch-joey-porter-jr-hendon-hooker-mazi-smith-michael-mayer-kyu-blu-kelly

Michigan DT Mazi Smith sheds blocks, early-season attention (10-4-22):  https://www.mlive.com/wolverines/2022/10/michigan-dt-mazi-smith-sheds-blocks-early-season-attention.html

College Football Week 4 Live Reactions, Results, And Takeaways (Mazi Smith deserves top 25 talk.  1:05-It’s stunning Michigan defensive tackle Mazi Smith does not get more pub as a first round prospect- something I wrote about over the summer.  Smith, who just made a great play on third down to shut down a Maryland drive- possesses the size, power, athleticism and skill to be a mid-first round pick. Don’t be surprised if Smith enters the draft after the 2022 season. TP) (9-24-22):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/college-football-week-4-live-reactions-results-and-takeaways/

Big Ten 2023 NFL Draft prospects and scouting reports (Mazi Smith, DT | Grade: 3.93 | Projected Round: 2 -Mazi Smith is crazy underrated in my opinion, and in many ways, he allowed Hutchinson to wreak havoc last season. Smith is an explosive defensive tackle with terrific size, quickness, and strength. He’s near-impossible to move off the point and also shows playmaking ability. Smith’s ability to clog the middle of the line last season allowed Michigan pass rushers 1-on-1 opportunities with opponents. Smith grades as an early Day 2 pick on my board.) (8-25-22):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/big-ten-2023-nfl-draft-prospects-scouting-reports/

PFN’s All-B1G team honors ahead of the 2022 college football season (B1G Defensive Player of the Year -Mazi Smith, DT, Michigan: On defense, Mazi Smith is set to continue Michigan’s rich and recent tradition of sending freak athletes into the NFL from the defensive line. Smith is an incredibly gifted athlete with documented strength off the charts. He’ll present a challenge for any lineman in front of him.  Defensive All-B1G team and player honors - B1G DL of the Year:  Mazi Smith, DT, Michigan) (8-13-22):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/preseason-all-b1g-team-honors-2022/

Michigan’s Mazi Smith tops college football ‘freaks’ list (8-10-22):  https://www.mlive.com/wolverines/2022/08/michigans-mazi-smith-tops-college-football-freaks-list.html

PFN Preseason All-B1G Team 2022: OSU’s C.J. Stroud, TreVeyon Henderson, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba set (Defense | First team - DT: Mazi Smith, Michigan) (8-9-22):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/pfn-preseason-all-b1g-team-2022/

2023 NFL Draft breakout candidates at DT include Omari Thomas, Alfred Collins (Mazi Smith, Michigan:  After losing several players to the 2022 NFL Draft, including early-round picks Aidan Hutchinson and David Ojabo, there’s room for a new star on the Michigan defensive line. Naturally, one looks to the edge, where Ojabo himself broke out in 2021. But there might be a breakout candidate going overlooked on the interior: Defensive tackle Mazi Smith.  Smith is a bowling ball at 6’3″, 326 pounds. His frame is extremely strong and compact, and with that frame, Smith carries excellent power capacity and play strength. He both has the ability to clog lanes and bulldoze paths in run defense. But Smith also has legitimate pass-rushing chops, flashing underrated burst and twitch. He’ll be relied upon by the Wolverines to set the tone. He has the tools to do it.) (6-15-22):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2023-nfl-draft-breakout-candidates-at-dt-include-omari-thomas-alfred-collins/

Michigan’s 2023 NFL Draft prospects led by Blake Corum, DJ Turner (Mazi Smith, DT:  The stats — 37 tackles and 2 1/2 tackles for loss — aren’t overwhelming from Mazi Smith. But they don’t even begin to do justice to the impact that the 6’3″, 326-pound defender has on the field. Smith is a phenomenal run defender who uses his size, strength, and upper-body torque to tug around blockers and clog rushing lanes. He also flashes the necessary burst and lateral athleticism to factor in as a pass rusher. In the early 2023 NFL Draft nose tackle rankings, Smith is near the top.) (June 7, 2022):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/michigans-2023-nfl-draft-prospects-led-by-blake-corum-dj-turner/

PFN’s Top 100 College Football Players of 2022 (79. Mazi Smith, DT, Michigan:  You may not have heard about him yet, but with a bevy of snaps and production numbers to eat up, odds are Mazi Smith will be a household name at some point during the 2022 season. Smith, a member of Bruce Feldman’s “Freaks List,” is an incredibly gifted pass rusher and run stopper. He’ll get after the passer quickly and make a name for himself — even more so than he already has — this season.) (4-22-22):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/top-100-college-football-players-2022/

Ian Cummings’ Weekly NFL Draft Scouting Notebook: Mazi Smith, R.J. Moten names to watch in 2023 (Mazi Smith, DT, Michigan (eligible for 2023 NFL Draft):  Christopher Hinton is the only Michigan interior defensive lineman who declared for the 2022 NFL Draft. But if you’re asking me, he wasn’t the best prospect in that interior group this past season. I was more often drawn to No. 58 — Mazi Smith, a 6’3″, 326-pound behemoth on the defensive front.  Smith is a monster when he’s on his game. He’s incredibly strong and powerful, and he flashes good burst as a pass rusher as well. His bread and butter, however, is run defense. There’s a rep against Nebraska that’s particularly striking.  Lined up at 3-technique, on the front side of an inside-zone run, Smith is at the targeted gap. He uses his lateral athleticism to shade in front of the guard and closes off the A gap, forcing the runner to improvise. As the RB now diverts to the B gap, however, Smith uses a startling burst of brute force to shove the guard into the B gap with one arm. He essentially uses the lineman to shut the RB’s path, then swallows up the back for no gain.  It was a moment not dissimilar to Jordan Davis‘ famous two-gap terror against Kentucky, and it characterizes Smith’s upside. He’s a versatile nose tackle whose physical traits make him a key name to watch in the 2023 NFL Draft class.) (3-18-22):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/ian-cummings-weekly-nfl-draft-scouting-notebook-insert-03182022/


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