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2023 NFL draft grades: Our experts grade the Cowboys’ selection of Michigan DT Mazi Smith

Smith is expected to strengthen a weak point in Dallas’ strong defensive front.

SportsDay columnists and beat writers grade the Cowboys’ first-round pick of Michigan defensive tackle Mazi Smith:

Tim Cowlishaw

Grade: A-minus

Always attached to the Eagles in this era, the Cowboys know their DT is in better shape and bring less off-the-field baggage to the team than Philly’s DT pick. However, Georgia’s Jalen Carter was thought to be best player in the draft before a car wreck and awful workout lowered his value. As for Mazi Smith, the Cowboys’ pick at 26, he’s a physical specimen and a run-stopper, which this team sorely needs. Always applaud the Cowboys when they pass on an O-lineman in Round 1.

Michael Gehlken

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Grade: A

Mazi Smith gives the Cowboys exactly what they need. He toughens their run defense, leading to more early-down success and opportunities for their unit to do what it does best: get after the quarterback. He is long, strong and can develop into a better pass rusher than his college production (0.5 career sacks) would suggest, particularly once coaches modify his stance. Look for Smith and Johnathan Hankins to share the interior in certain personnel packages. Yes, there are many holes on offense. A run there can begin Friday.

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Joseph Hoyt

Grade: B-plus

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Mazi Smith is a freak. He has the size, the speed and the opportunity to be a run-stopper for the Cowboys defense. But can he turn it into production in Dallas? That’s an area where he underwhelmed in college. He had only 2.5 tackles for loss last season.

David Moore

Grade: B

Jerry Jones concedes the idea of investing a first-round pick in a nose tackle hasn’t gained any traction with the Cowboys these last few decades. But this team is different. An inability to stop the run is arguably the last element that keeps this from being an elite defense. Mazi Smith should be the fourth consecutive first-round pick to make an immediate impact.

Kevin Sherrington

Grade: B

Mazi Smith answers a need as a run-stopper, the weakest link on the Cowboys’ defense and maybe on the team as a whole. But run-stoppers are easy to find in a draft. The question is, can Smith develop into a pass rusher as well? Will McClay seems to think it’s a possibility. If he adds that element, then this grade turns into an A.

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Calvin Watkins

Grade: B

Mazi Smith is a solid player. He’s got the physical gifts to make an impact Week 1 in the NFL. Over time, Smith will get some pass rush opportunities. For a defense that allowed over 200 rushing yards in two games and had six games with over 150 rushing yards allowed, getting Smith was important.

More from NFL draft Day 1

What Cowboys’ selection of Michigan’s Mazi Smith means for Micah Parsons, edge rushers

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NFC East improves as Cowboys, Eagles add to positions of need in NFL draft’s first round

Cowboys LB Micah Parsons reacts to Eagles drafting Jalen Carter: ‘Sick to my stomach’

National reaction to Dallas Cowboys draft pick Mazi Smith: ‘Welcome to the trenches’

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