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Listen: Mazi Smith gets the call from Cowboys after being drafted at No. 26 overall

The Cowboys are looking at Smith to help bolster their run defense.

Former Michigan defensive tackle Mazi Smith sounded right at home when he heard Will McClay on the other end of a phone call Thursday night.

McClay, the Cowboys’ vice president of player personnel, was calling Smith to inform him of his selection at No. 26 overall in the 2023 NFL draft. After speaking briefly with McClay, the defensive tackle heard from Jerry Jones, Mike McCarthy and Dan Quinn.

Jones went on to tell Smith of the team’s intentions to make him a big part of the defense.

“We’re making it happen,” Smith told Jones.

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The Cowboys are looking at Smith to help bolster their run defense. He’s the first defensive tackle selected by Dallas in the first round since Russell Maryland at No. 1 overall in 1991.

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The Cowboys taking Smith was a counter in some ways to what the Eagles did with their top pick. Philadelphia drafted Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter with the ninth overall selection.

Smith (6-3, 323) brings size and speed at the position, posting the second-most bench press reps at the NFL combine (34). The size and speed didn’t translate to pass rush success at Michigan, however. Team officials expect Smith to improve in that area over time.

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The Cowboys had 11 first-round grades on draft prospects, but team owner Jerry Jones said Smith was ranked among their top 14 prospects. When Jones was pressed to reveal where Smith was exactly on the board, the Cowboys owner said, “Who gives a s---? We got him.”

More from NFL draft Day 1

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

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

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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