The Cowboys have made it through two days of drafting, but there’s still a ton to focus on with University of Michigan defensive tackle Mazi Smith. Smith was a Top 30 visit, and immediately fills a long-time need along the defensive front. Player personnel exec Will McClay stated in Thursday’s post-draft press conference about the team’s desire to add physicality.
“When Mike (McCarthy) came in here, he talked about building a bigger, stronger, faster football team. We have continued to do that. And when you look at Mazi, teams run the football now and as you see things change, you look at our division, he’s a guy that can stop that, a guy that can add that value to our defense.”
The Cowboys have not selected a defensive tackle in the first round since they took Russel Maryland with the first pick in the 1991 draft, they believe Smith has the traits worth betting on at the position. Let’s get to know the player that has helped shift their philosophy.