Mazi Smith first-round pick

Player analysis: explosive power. Those are the two words that come to mind when I watch Mazi Smith play, and to be honest, opposing offensive linemen probably wake up gasping for breath after having to fight the former Wolverine for four quarters of a football. Smith is a burly interior lineman who can be a wall on the run defense, but can also penetrate the backfield effectively to get his hands on the quarterback.

Not lacking in experience either, Smith was a two-year starter at Michigan and, no stranger to playing on the big stage under pressure – coming from a program led by former NFL coach Jim Harbaugh – pushes and clears space against double teams. , and individual blockers are simply no match against his punch, let alone his counters.

The resignation of Johnathan Hankins provided not only great insurance at nose tackle against not finding a player of Smith’s caliber, but the return of Hankins now gives Smith a veteran to learn from and operate with. rotation inside a line that gives defensive coordinator Dan Quinn an ultimate long-term solution at 1-tech.

It’s going to be a long day for offenses trying to line up against a defensive front that now also features Smith, especially when you factor in Osa Odighizuwa.

Bottom line: A dominant Cowboys defense just found a new high-caliber weapon.