Mazi Smith's trajectory with the Dallas Cowboys has become a focal point as expectations morph following a challenging rookie season. Drafted in 2023, Smith arrived with immense potential, boasting a formidable background from Michigan and high accolades, yet his debut was lackluster, leaving doubts among fans. The Cowboys' faith in him has not wavered, as they positioned him to fill the void left by veteran tackle Johnathan Hankins, despite his previous struggles. As he approaches his second season, Smith's development remains under scrutiny, with many now questioning whether he can meet the lofty benchmarks set by the team.

In 2024, with the pressure mounting to establish himself, Smith will face pivotal challenges. The Cowboys have faith he can turn things around, though opinions on his viability in the starting lineup vary widely among analysts. The expectation is clear; Smith must exhibit significant growth to validate the investment made in him and contribute to the team’s ambitions. For fantasy football aficionados, the question is whether a breakout is on the horizon or if he’ll remain a risk in lineups.