Mazi Smith NFL Draft Scouting Report

IDL, Michigan Wolverines

Mazi Smith is the starting defensive tackle for the Michigan Wolverines. Smith is a former consensus four-star recruit and top-20 defensive tackle nationally. He was named to the Detroit All-State team twice. Smith was a scout team ace for the Wolverines as a freshman. His impact was not truly felt until his junior season. Smith has been the starter from that point forward and a leader on this Wolverines’ defense.

Smith is a tremendous run-stuffer in the middle of Michigan’s defense. He plays with outstanding physical strength at the point of attack to disrupt blocking concepts. His strength and physicality is an asset and allows him to reset the line of scrimmage. Smith is a heavy-handed puncher who can generate substantial knock-back power in the run game. He displays the ability to drive blockers into the backfield and create interior penetration. Smith is disruptive on downhill run attempts due to his ability to occupy multiple lanes and gaps. Michigan asks him to handle those two-gap assignments and potential double teams in the run game. Smith’s lateral agility is impressive for his size. He has the ability to work down the line of scrimmage in the zone run game as a play or backside defender. His pass-rush skill set is predicated on power and driving blockers into the lap of the quarterback. He has a powerful club move to knock his opponents off-balance, soften the rush angle, and pressure the quarterback.  That surprising athleticism shows up on twists and stunts to free him up. Smith has a nice closing burst on the football. There are not many near 340-pound defensive linemen that can move the way Smith has shown, in pursuit.

Smith lacks the ideal arm length to effectively stack and shed blocks. He must win in close quarters like a boxer with a shorter reach. Smith’s trigger at the snap is inconsistent. There are reps where he is late which put him behind the eight ball. As a pass rusher, Smith is a work in progress. He has improved a little each year but is it enough to warrant third-down snaps in the NFL? Not sure. Smith’s hand counters can continue to improve his effectiveness to deconstruct blocks with better quickness. 

Smith has a two-down appeal right now as an NFL prospect. His value as a run defender is high. If defenses continue to run the two-high safety sets next season, he will be valued well. He does not offer high-end passing-down value. There is some ability to impact quarterbacks with interior pressure but he will need to play quicker and more refined technically. 

Top Reasons to Buy In:

• Outstanding size/strength combo
• Top-tier run defender
• Pass-rush upside

Top Reasons For Concern:

• Hand counters
• Late off the ball
• Arm length

Size (NFL Combine):

Height: 6′ 3”

Weight: 323 lbs

Arm Length: 33 3/4”

Hand Size: 9 3/4”

Athletic Testing (NFL Combine):

40-yard Dash: TBD

Vertical Jump: TBD

Broad Jump: TBD

Short-Shuttle: TBD

Three-Cone: TBD

Bench Reps: 34 reps

Ideal Role: Run-stuffing nose tackle 

Scheme Fit: 3-4

TDN Consensus Grade: 75.00/100 (Third-Round Value)

• Parson Grade: 75.00/100

Written By: Damian Parson

Exposures: Penn State (2022), Ohio State (2022), Maryland (2022), Purdue (2022)

Mazi Smith NFL Draft Scouting Report. Add him to your big board here.