Mazi Smith: “I don’t even like football; I like hitting people”

Dallas Cowboys first-round pick Mazi Smith made it known during camp that he and the defense will get after it on the field this season.

He told reporters Tuesday that he isn't one to talk trash on the field but instead would do something else.

“I don't even like football,” Smith said. “I like hitting people.”

Dallas Cowboys first round pick Mazi Smith: "I don't even like football. I like hitting people." pic.twitter.com/HwDaahYT8O

— Mike Leslie (@MikeLeslieWFAA) August 1, 2023

You could tell from the interview that Smith is ready to go and is excited for the NFL season to start. Smith earned first-team All-Big Ten honors in 2022: 88 total tackles, 6 for loss in three seasons.

Smith is the first defensive tackle taken in Round 1 by the Cowboys since 1991.

He's good at what he does, stopping the run. That is why Dallas drafted him. The defense's most significant weakness a season ago was the ability to slow it down.

In 2023, that should improve. Smith, right now, is slotted at the starting nose tackle for Dan Quinn's defense.

Smith is one of the strongest players on the team. He said Tyron Smith is still stronger than everyone, but Mazi drilled 22 reps of the 325 bench press at the NFL draft.

Realistic Expectations

What are the realistic expectations for Smith in his rookie season?

It is hard to say. Smith doesn't have to fill the stat sheet in a role like his.

I expect Smith to play a nice chuck of the preseason. He needs to adjust to the speed from college to the pros.

He will be ready to go; he can compete in this league by pure strength alone.

The Cowboys' defense has a chance to be really special, and it is wild how many folks want them to be awful because they don't like the quarterback.

Dak Prescott has continued to win games in this league, and I will agree that it has to happen in the postseason this year.

Everyone acts like this team has failed to do anything in the last 25 years.

As a Cubs and a Denver Nuggets fan, I have seen droughts end.

I will not wish my favorite team to lose because I don't like the player. It's dumb.

This team will be fun to watch on both sides of the ball.

The defense adds Stephon Gilmore, a former Defensive Player of the Year, while the offense adds Brandin Cooks.

Smith and Hankins should help the run defense, while Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence rush the quarterback.

Smith looks serious in his interview during training camp, so let's hope he can stick around just long enough to help the Cowboys do a number on defense this season.

Outside of the 49ers, nobody will have a better defense than Dallas.

Time will tell on how great this defense can be.

For the first time in a long time they got better in March and April.

They didn't drafted the “sexy” pick, and they added proven playmakers via the trade market.

This team has absolutely ZERO excuse if they don't get it done this season, I am close to being off ship.