Joseph Hoyt is in his first season as a Dallas Cowboys beat reporter for Lonestarlive.com , though he’s been a sports reporter in Dallas for over five years. He follows everything Cowboys, covering the team both at home and traveling on the road.

Here’s what he had to say:

In terms of attention, I think it’s worth remembering that Mazi Smith doesn’t play a spotlight position, nor is he playing a lot. He’s averaging 15.8 snaps per game so far this season. Interior defensive lineman rarely jump off the screen unless they’re getting to the quarterback — which is something Smith hasn’t done. He has one pressure this season and zero sacks. He also only has three tackles. He has an overall Pro Football Focus grade of 41.9.

For perspective, there were three other first round defensive tackles in last year’s draft. Eagles rookie Jalen Carter has been one of the most dominant defenders in the league with a 90.6 PFF grade and 29 pressures. Tampa Bay’s Calijah Kancey has a 52.5 PFF grade and 14 pressures. Saints rookie Bryan Bresee has 17 pressures and a 52.1 grade.

Ultimately, as a late first round pick, Smith wasn’t looked at as a potential game wrecker in his first season. He was brought in to help the Cowboys solidify its interior run defense, especially against a potential playoff opponent like San Francisco. As the weather gets colder, and run games pickup, Smith could be needed. As of now, there’s a reason you haven’t heard much about him.

Can’t believe we spent picks for the future.

Clearly we don’t care about winning it all this year.

Let’s check in on our division rivals who went to the Superbowl bowl.

Oh 2023? The first, second, third round pick all starters cool.

Let’s check 2022.

First, second, third round picks all starters and factors mk.

Let’s check the cowboys 2023

1st round, developmental piece for the future, 2nd round, fails to be a true starter, drops, failed redzone issues missing the details, non factor, 3rd round pick injured, non factor for 2 years, 4th round nope, 5th round nope.

Let’s check 2022.

TYLER SMITH YOU ARE A FUTURE HOFER. We needed the o-line depth, still developmental but also was and is a day 1 starter.

Round 2, no playing time before this week, developmental.

3rd round receiver, developmental.

Where is the win now? We hit on late picks but early ones are for the future? This further convinced me that Jerry’s job is to make sure we are always popular and a factor, but not a true contender.

Keep in mind some people thought Jalen Tolbert was a bust last year but he looks much better now. Be a little more patient with Mazi. We could see really good things from him in the future.

He really isn’t getting too many snaps, he has the least among all our DTs and so far has only seen more than 20 snaps in a game once

To me it seems like he is still a little slow off the snap and when he is you can see it easily. But most of the time when he does what he’s supposed to do your not going to really notice it,that being said he has been underwhelming for a 1st round pick considering the other options available