Mazi Smith anchors the interior for Dallas, providing run-stopping ability that helps the edges and Parsons. His role could translate into steady IDP production as he develops into a more consistent interior presence and frees up others to chase sacks.

Mazi Smith is the focal point for Dallas' run-defense upgrade, tasked with delivering consistent interior disruption after weight swings and early-career coaching changes slowed his progress. The piece stresses the mental aspect of the game as a differentiator and hints that a scheme fit under Eberflus could unlock his ceiling as a true 1-tech anchor.

Mazi Smith is highlighted as a key interior player entering his third season with no excuses, a storyline that underscores Dallas’ defensive development and its capacity to pressure and plug gaps on run plays.

Mazi Smith has shown some rough edges in Week 1 as Dallas hunts for interior disruption. His Week 2 showing is pivotal to establishing whether he can anchor a long-term role or if his development will lag behind peers. The evolving interior line remains a focal point for the Cowboys’ defense.

Smith is a 6-3, 323-pound Michigan product who flashed elite athleticism and power. Two Dallas seasons show growth but not the breakout expected for a first-round pick; year three is framed as the make-or-break moment with Micah Parsons’ seal of approval and a clear path to more interior disruption.