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.
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.