The Dallas Cowboys are turning heads in the 2025 NFL season with a bold decision regarding their nose tackle position. While Mazi Smith, a first-round pick in 2023, was expected to anchor the defensive line, another name is emerging as a potential contender for significant playing time: Jay Toia, a seventh-round rookie (pick 217) in the 2025 NFL Draft. Can a late-round draft pick outshine a first-round star to become a key piece in the Cowboys’ defensive front? Let’s break it down.
Jay Toia’s Journey: From Rugby to the NFL
Jay Toia, born on July 16, 2003, is a unique talent. Weighing over 340 pounds (approximately 154 kg) and standing 6 feet 2 inches tall, Toia is a true mountain of a man on the field. Before entering the world of football, Toia played rugby, which helped him develop remarkable strength and a relentless competitive spirit. Transitioning to football at Grace Brethren High School in Simi Valley, California, Toia earned a four-star recruit rating and initially committed to the USC Trojans. However, just months later, he switched to the UCLA Bruins, where he made his mark with 91 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, and one forced fumble over four seasons.
Toia’s standout trait is his ability to dominate space and create opportunities for linebackers behind him. In his 2024 season at UCLA, he recorded 25 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, and 1 sack. While his stats may not jump off the page, game tape reveals Toia as a run-stuffing force, frequently drawing double-team blocks and freeing up his teammates to make plays.
Mazi Smith: Pressure on the First-Round Pick
Mazi Smith, selected by the Cowboys in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, was expected to be the answer at nose tackle. However, after two seasons, Smith has yet to deliver the consistency or three-down impact the team hoped for. He has struggled to generate consistent pressure and has often been overshadowed by Osa Odighizuwa, a standout 3-technique who recently signed a contract extension. Smith’s lack of production has prompted the Cowboys to explore other options, and Jay Toia has emerged as an unexpected solution.
Toia’s Opportunity: Can a Seventh-Round Rookie Make an Impact?
The Cowboys’ selection of Toia in the seventh round was no random move. The team is seeking a player to fill the critical 1-technique role, where a massive presence is needed to clog running lanes and occupy multiple blockers. With his enormous frame and surprising agility for his size, Toia is seen as a raw gem with significant upside.
Beyond his physical attributes, Toia brings a team-first mentality and leadership qualities. At UCLA, he served as a team captain, showcasing maturity and a willingness to prioritize team success over personal glory. In an interview, he stated, “I don’t care about the spotlight. I’m a team player, and seeing my teammates get recognized is what makes me happy.”
Under the guidance of new defensive line coach Aaron Whitecotton and defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, Toia has a chance to refine his skills and maximize his potential. He has studied the playstyles of NFL stars like Vita Vea and Dexter Lawrence, drawing inspiration from Vea’s destructive power and Lawrence’s finesse. If Toia can improve his finishing ability on tackles and develop his bull rush technique, he could become a vital asset.
The Future of the Cowboys’ Defensive Line
Currently, the Cowboys’ defensive interior is thin at nose tackle. Beyond Mazi Smith, other options like Justin Rogers and Denzel Daxon are not guaranteed roster spots. This opens a significant opportunity for Toia, who could compete for a starting role as a rookie. However, the Cowboys may bring in veteran additions before the season begins, intensifying the competition.
The prospect of Toia, a seventh-round rookie, overtaking Mazi Smith, a former first-round pick, for meaningful playing time is a shocking scenario but not an impossible one. If Toia capitalizes on his size, strength, and coaching, he could become the next Jay Ratliff—a late-round nose tackle who made a significant impact.
Conclusion
The Dallas Cowboys are entering the 2025 season with high ambitions under new head coach Brian Schottenheimer and a revamped roster. Placing faith in Jay Toia, a seventh-round rookie, to address the nose tackle position reflects the team’s bold vision and long-term strategy. While Toia still has much to prove, he brings hope as a potential “mountain” in the middle, ready to disrupt offenses and pave the way for his teammates. Can he surpass Mazi Smith to become a key contributor? Only time and training camp will tell.