The Dallas Cowboys have long been lauded for their prowess in scouting and developing talent through the NFL Draft. While they may stumble in contract negotiations or free agency, their ability to unearth gems in the draft is undeniable. However, even the best scouts miss the mark sometimes, and Mazi Smith, their 2023 first-round pick, is shaping up to be one of those rare missteps.
The massive defensive tackle from Michigan entered the NFL with high expectations, drafted to bolster Dallas’ defensive front. Yet, as Smith approaches his third season, questions swirl around his fit with the team, leaving fans and analysts wondering if his time in Dallas is running out.
Smith’s journey with the Cowboys has been anything but straightforward. Under former defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, he was tasked with an aggressive, upfield role, relentlessly pursuing quarterbacks. This scheme, however, didn’t align with Smith’s natural strengths. His game thrives on power and control, not relentless penetration.
When Mike Zimmer took over as defensive coordinator in 2024, the approach shifted dramatically. Zimmer asked Smith to read and react, anchoring the line rather than charging forward. According to Greg Ellis, a defensive line assistant coach and Cowboys legend, this adjustment allowed Smith to flash the potential that made him a first-round pick. “He kind of showed why the Cowboys drafted him and what they saw,” Ellis noted, praising Smith’s “superhero ability” to dominate at the point of attack.
Should the Cowboys trade Mazi Smith?
Former Cowboy Greg Ellis doesn’t think Dallas’ defensive scheme matches Mazi’s skillset. pic.twitter.com/16O9CyGxAK
— DLLS Cowboys (@DLLS_Cowboys) July 15, 2025
Despite these flashes, the arrival of new defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus in 2025 has cast fresh doubt on Smith’s future. Eberflus’ scheme reportedly emphasizes a vertical, attacking style—reminiscent of Quinn’s approach—that may not suit Smith’s skill set. Ellis, who spent 11 seasons with the Cowboys as a player, expressed concern about the mismatch. “The year before we got there, it was more just vertical, get up the field… Really not Mazi’s game, to be honest,” he said, via DLLS. “Now, we switching up again… If [the scheme doesn’t] allow Mazi’s superhero ability to flash, you may need to just trade him.”
This candid assessment from a coach who clearly admires Smith’s potential raises a sobering possibility: the Cowboys may be ready to part ways with their former first-rounder far sooner than anyone expected.
The idea of trading Smith, just two years after drafting him 26th overall, is a stunning turn for a player once seen as a cornerstone of Dallas’ defense. Ellis’ comments highlight the delicate balance between a player’s unique abilities and a team’s schematic demands. If Eberflus’ system doesn’t adapt to leverage Smith’s strengths—his raw power and ability to clog running lanes—the Cowboys may have no choice but to explore a trade.
For a franchise known for its draft success, admitting defeat on a first-round pick stings. Yet, as Ellis suggests, a fresh start elsewhere could be the best path for both Smith and the Cowboys. Another team, with a scheme tailored to his strengths, might unlock the “superhero” potential that Dallas saw when they drafted him.
As the 2025 season looms, all eyes will be on Smith during training camp and the preseason. Can he adapt to yet another defensive scheme, or will the Cowboys’ coaching staff tailor their approach to maximize his unique talents? If neither happens, Dallas may face a tough decision: keep a player who doesn’t fit or trade him to a team where he can thrive.
The Cowboys’ draft prowess has built a roster brimming with talent, but Mazi Smith’s uncertain future serves as a reminder that even the best-laid plans can falter. Will Smith defy the odds and cement his place in Dallas, or is his journey with the Cowboys nearing a shockingly premature end? Only time will tell, but for now, the question looms large: is Mazi Smith destined to go from first-round promise to NFL afterthought?