Mazi Smith

Michigan IDL

Games Watched: Iowa, Ohio State, TCU

Summary: Mazi Smith fits best as primarily a 3-T in a 4-3 system. He is incredibly athletic with great size and movement skills for that size. His strength allows him to be a nuisance in the run game. His athleticism and hand usage allow him to get penetration into the pocket on passing downs. He also has great closing burst when pressuring the QB. Smith isn’t as explosive off the snap, where he is often one of the last players to react. He sometimes fails to locate the ball in the run game, and can be a second slow to disengage.

Pros

  • Has very good play strength that allows him to handle double teams
  • Amazing lateral movement skills for his size
  • Great hand usage with long arms to complement those skills
  • Very good closing burst
  • Has the awareness to swipe at the ball

Cons

  • Not incredibly quick off the line
  • Sometimes doesn’t locate the ball in the run game
  • Can be late to disengage allowing runners to get past him

Grade: Mazi Smith gets a late 1st round grade. He has an incredible athletic profile and has shown all the tools to be a 3 down player.