The Cowboys are turning their eyes toward rookie defensive tackle Jay Toia—a powerful, disruptive 1-tech out of UCLA, with Mazi Smith battling injury and falling massively short of expectations throughout his first two seasons.
Toia, who flew under the radar in national draft discussions, now has a chance to seize a starting role on a Cowboys defensive line that desperately needs help in the middle.
Based on his college film, statistical output, and physical traits, Toia may be the upgrade the Cowboys need at the nose.
Why 1-Tech is a Problem for Dallas
In 2024, the Cowboys ranked 29th in run defense, allowing a concerning 137.1 rushing yards per game and giving up 25 rushing touchdowns.
Much of that came from inconsistent play at the interior tackle spots—especially from Mazi Smith, the team’s 2023 first-round pick.
Smith struggled with leverage, hand placement, and maintaining gap discipline. He frequently lost ground against double teams and did not flash the power or burst the Cowboys expected when they drafted him as a potential anchor in the middle.
To make matters worse, Smith’s injuries have compounded his underperformance.
With his availability uncertain, the Cowboys may be ready to hand the keys to Jay Toia, who played over 1,600 snaps at UCLA and comes in with a proven record of stout run defense and raw physicality.
Jay Toia’s College Production at a Glance
Let’s break down Toia’s four-year body of work at UCLA:
- 1,607 total snaps
- 70.0 run defense in 2024 (best of career)
- 19 total pressures, including two sacks
- 48 stops (defined as tackles that constitute a failure for the offense)
- 14 QB hurries and 5 QB hits in 2024 alone
These numbers show clear growth each year, culminating in his breakout 2024 campaign.
Most notably, Toia lined up in the A-gap (true 1-tech or nose tackle) on 434 of his 591 total defensive line snaps in 2024—proof of his experience playing exactly where Dallas now needs help.
What Toia Brings to the Cowboys’ Defensive Front
1. True Anchor Ability at Nose
Jay Toia’s strength lies in his ability to absorb double teams and prevent interior movement.
His 2024 film shows him consistently controlling blockers, allowing linebackers to flow freely and plug gaps. That’s a vital quality for the Cowboys, whose linebacker unit struggled in part because of being swallowed up by unblocked linemen.
2. Gap Discipline and Stoutness
Toia’s 16 run stops in 2022 and 2024 reflect a player who knows how to anchor and maintain leverage. He’s not overly flashy, but he’s effective at holding his ground.
His technique improved steadily over time, particularly in shedding blocks and resetting the line of scrimmage.
3. Underrated Pass Rush Upside
Though not a primary pass rusher, Toia’s 14 hurries in 2024 show he can collapse the pocket from the middle. He times his punch well and uses his hands effectively to disengage.
For comparison, Mazi Smith has struggled to generate meaningful pass-rush pressure in either of his first two years.
4. Motor and Durability
Toia played a career-high 646 snaps in 2024, showing he can handle a full workload. That’s key for a team like Dallas, which has dealt with injuries and rotational inconsistency across its defensive front.
Why Toia Fits DC Matt Eberflus’ Vision
New defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus thrives on speed, discipline, and front-line penetration.
While Jay Toia won’t wow anyone with elite athleticism, his ability to control the A-gap, maintain gap integrity, and flash power fits the blueprint Eberflus seeks for 1-tech.
In contrast, Mazi Smith’s inconsistent technique and injury woes have limited his ability to serve in that stabilizing role.
If the Cowboys want to improve their 32nd-ranked red zone defense and 29th-ranked run defense, inserting a more technically sound and power-based presence like Toia at the point of attack could be essential.
Rookie Outlook for 2025
If training camp performances continue to trend in Toia’s favor and Mazi Smith either can’t stay healthy or fails to progress, the rookie has a real shot at earning the starting job.
At the very least, expect Toia to be part of the rotation early in the season.
With a defensive tackle room that lacks a dominant 1-tech presence, Toia may quickly go from depth piece to full-time starter—especially if he continues to build on the growth shown during his senior season at UCLA.
Low-Profile Rookie
Jay Toia may not have been a high-profile draft pick. Still, his college production, position-specific experience, and steady development make him a compelling option to start at 1-tech for the Dallas Cowboys.
With Mazi Smith underwhelming and the run defense in need of reinforcements, Toia could become one of the most important rookie contributors on the team in 2025.
He’s not just filling a role—he’s offering a solution.
