Cowboys DT Smith eyes improved 2nd season: 'Last year was hard for me'

Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Mazi Smith is looking for a bounce-back season after struggling in his rookie campaign.

"Last year was hard for me," Smith said, according to team reporter Nick Harris. "I always held myself to a certain standard. I feel like I'm where I'm supposed to be now."

The Cowboys selected Smith with the 26th overall pick in the 2023 draft. He played in all 17 games (three starts), totaling 13 tackles and one sack. Smith only played 27% of the team's defensive snaps and saw just four snaps in the club's wild-card round loss to the Green Bay Packers.

Dallas hired Mike Zimmer to run the defense after former Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn took the Washington Commanders' head coaching job. Zimmer is implementing a new system that Smith said he's excited to play in - one similar to what Michigan ran during Smith's college career there.

"My whole career, I've been a guy that can play in multiple schemes," Smith said. "I've got the athletic traits to be an upfield guy. I've got the strength to play at the line of scrimmage and build a wall. I've always faced those questions. I don't want to be 290 (pounds). I probably want to be 310, 315."

Smith is projected to be a starting defensive tackle for the Cowboys in 2024. That position was a weakness for Dallas' defense last campaign, racking up only eight sacks and 15 tackles for loss from four players.

"I want to go over there (with) a clean slate," Smith said. "Write my story. I don't really set goals, everybody wants to be an All-Pro. Everybody wants to be top-five. I want to be the best me I can be. I know what that can get me. It got me to this point, so I'm not worried about accolades."