NFL Draft 2023 Scouting Report: DT Mazi Smith, Michigan. After high school, was considered the second defensive tackle of the recruiting class. Played for Michigan since 2019, becoming a starting lineup player in 2021. Cumulatively played 35 games during his career. He was named to the Big Ten All-Star Team last season and was named the team's top defensive player.
Height: 190 cm
Weight: 147 kg
40 time: —
Mazi Smith Stats
48 tackles (2.5 with loss of yards), 0.5 sacks, forced fumble.
Mazi Smith Scouting Report: Strenghts
- Fast and strong
- solidly built, with excellent anthropometry
- very athletic, ranked #1 on Bruce Feldman's freak list, potentially could break a number of combine records for defensive tackles
- plays confidently against takeout
- can withstand double blocks
Related: NFL Draft Scouting Report: Luke Musgrave, Oregon State
- Mazi Smith Scouting Report: Weaknesses
- A bit stiff in his movements, not flexible enough for a pass rusher
- often loses sight of the ball, dropping out of an episode
- somewhat predictable, making him less effective in one-on-one struggles
- had a bit of trouble with the police last fall
Mazi Smith Scouting Report: Summary
In Michigan Wolverines lineup, Mazi Smith was the primary disruptor of the opponent's takeout game. His size, speed, and strength allowed him to close multiple passes at once and successfully countered double blocks, making his partners' work easier. Smith was not nearly as efficient on the pass rush but was more predictable. He doesn't always have enough arm length and sometimes has trouble timing the snap. At this point, he's unlikely to count on the linebacker spot for all three downs, but Smith has the potential to do so.
