Overview

Position: DL

College: Michigan

Class: Junior (RS)

Age: 21

Measurables

Height: 6’3”

Weight: 323 lbs.

Arm length: 33 3/4″

Hand size: 9 3/4″

Athletic testing

40-yard dash: N/A

10-yard split: N/A

Vertical jump: N/A

Broad jump: N/A

Bench press: 34 reps

3-cone drill: N/A

Short shuttle: N/A

Strengths

Remarkable athleticism and power. Large overall build. Extremely light and athletic on his feet for a big man. Great strength on extension to press blockers off him. Effective hand fighting into the backfield. Able to quickly disengage and make the tackle for runs at him. Hands are very strong and quick to shed in general. Has the foot speed to sidestep down blocks and win with positioning. Can be very disruptive as a penetrator. Will completely dismantle smaller opponents. Very good play recognition. Excellent acceleration and closing speed. Wraps/engulfs as a tackler. Finishes with force on opportunities to hit the quarterback. Shows tremendous power as a pass rusher by pushing back opponents with one-armed extension. Very strong pulldown move. Often drew double teams as a pass rusher. Usually a nose tackle but has experience lining up as a three-technique in both running and passing situations.

Weaknesses

Can get uprooted and stood up. Needs to get pad level low with more consistency. Driven off the ball versus Iowa (2022). Can be moved off the spot versus more powerful opponents (TCU guard Steve Avila in 2022 matchup). Dives too often as a tackler with a chance to stop ball-carriers early. Does not always hustle in pursuit or away from the ball. Faced a felony weapons charge last year for carrying a concealed weapon without a license after being pulled over for speeding (lowered to misdemeanor and received 12 months of probation).

NFL comparison

Linval Joseph

Conclusion

Overall, Smith is a big and athletic defensive tackle with high upside if he can completely unlock his power with more consistency. Teams need to dig into his character, but Smith can be an imposing figure with scheme versatility up front.

2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report: DL Mazi Smith