Mazi Smith is different from your typical plotting nose tackle. He is unique in that he has the build and strength of a Nose but also comes with the athleticism to rush the passer. While he played primarily in the b-gab at Michigan, he is best suited to be a 3-4 Nose Tackle in the NFL. We didn’t see him test at the combine, but we all know the athleticism is there. Some aspects of his game draw concern, but overall he is an appealing prospect. Where he lands and how well he’s coached will largely dictate his success, so it’s important he goes to the proper organization.
Three all-22 games and his highlights were evaluated. This scouting report includes grades on all relevant traits which were based on his film. His scouting report also factored in stats and analytics, such as PFF grades. We also break down his traits through clip analysis. Use promo code TREYSCHNEIDER on Underdog Fantasy to match your deposit up to $100. Please gamble responsibly and leave your feedback on Twitter @FBIntellect.
| Profile |
|---|
| 5th IDL / 2nd RD | 6’3 / 323 | Class – RS-JR | College – Michigan |
| Pro Comparison |
|---|
| Dontari Poe/ Devon Hamilton |
| Scheme |
|---|
| Nose Tackle/ Any |
D-line Stats
2022:
PR – 25
SK – 1
TKL – 48
TFL – 2.5
Clip Analysis
In this clip above, Mazi Smith is against Steve Avila and comes up with a nice run stop. He quickly identifies the run, then gets good leverage on Avila, where he uses his raw arm strength to overwhelm him.
Here he disrupts the run quickly and effectively. The Guard lunges too far forward, allowing Smith to use his quickness and strong arms to throw him aside.
In this one, against Steve Avila again, he shows off the raw power in his arms. He executes somewhat of a long-arm bull rush and nearly gets a hit on the QB.
Grades
Traits/ Skills (see bottom of the page for scale)
Each trait/attribute is graded 1-7.
| Traits | Immediate | Potential |
| SPD | 5 | 5 |
| ACC | 5.6 | 5.6 |
| AGI | 5.6 | 5.8 |
| STR | 6.4 | 6.8 |
| SIZ | 5.6 | 5.6 |
| GET | 4.5 | 5.2 |
| PWM | 3.8 | 5.4 |
| FNM | 3.4 | 5.2 |
| IQ | 4 | 5.6 |
| INS | 4 | 5.4 |
| BKS | 4.8 | 5.8 |
| PUR | 4.5 | 5.4 |
| TAC | 4.8 | 6.2 |
| IDL Key | |
|---|---|
| SPD – Speed ACC – Acceleration AGI – Agility STR – Strength SIZ – Size/ Length GET – Get-off PWM – Power Moves | FNM – Finesse Moves IQ – Football IQ INS – Instincts BKS – Block Shedding PUR – Pursuit TAC – Tackling |
Player Notes
- Mazi Smith is a beefed-up, flexible Interior Defensive lineman with some pass-rush upside. The raw power in his upper half is world-class, and he’s also surprisingly quick.
Pros
- The NUMBER ONE player on Bruce Feldman’s “College Football Freaks List 2022.” Recorded a 4.41 shuttle and a 6.95 3-cone, according to the article.
- Arm strength is remarkable – he reportedly benched 22 reps of 325 lbs, and it shows in his arms on film.
- An effective 2-gapper who holds his gab discipline well.
- Has the anchor to take on double teams.
- Shedds blocks with proper timing.
- Showed a terrific arm-over move.
- Natural burst and lateral quickness are a big plus.
- Solid closing speed as a pass rusher.
- Has the stamina to play as a three-down player – averaged 49 snaps per game.
Cons
- I described his get-off on The Raider Ramble as lackadaisical – he seems sluggish off the ball.
- Doesn’t have a whole lot of pass-rush moves developed.
- Tends to rely on raw power rather than technique.
- His hands are often late and slow.
- He doesn’t gain leverage very well despite having a practically perfect height.
Final Conclusion
Although he may be best suited as a nose tackle, Smith’s athletic traits give him the flexibility to be used in any scheme. He’ll be of excellent value to any team looking for a run stuffer up front. He may also develop into a high-end pass rusher, which gives him fantastic value in the second round.
Combine
40 yd:
10 yd:
Shuttle:
3 cone:
Broad:
Vertical:
Bench: 34
Arm Length: 33 3/4″
Hand Size: 9 3/4″
Scales And Keys
Grading Key
POT – Potential: players’ highest upside
IMP – Impact: player’s immediate impact
Stats Key
PR – Pressures
SK – Sacks
TKL – Tackles
TFL – Tackles for loss
| Draft Grade Formula | |
| Age: 21-22: | POT=(30%) IMP=(70%) |
| Age: 23-24: | POT=(28%) IMP=(72%) |
| Age:-25+: | POT=(26%) IMP=(74%) |
| Good/ bad character: | POT=(+2%/-2%) IMP=(-2%/+2%) |
| Injury: | POT=(-1%) in increments |
| OVR Grade Weight: |
|---|
| Pass Rush=62% Run Defense=38% |
| Individual trait scale (1-7): |
|---|
| 7 – Rare world-class skill; best in the league and no room for improvement | 6 – Great-elite skill; one of the best at that given trait but still has some room to improve | 5 – Very good; above average and has potential to be elite | 4 – Average; able to suffice but, not ideal long-term | 3 – Below average; able to suffice at college level | 2 – Poor; hinders overall play and is a liability to the team | 1 – Awful; not good enough to play given position at any level above D2 | Note: Consistency plays a large factor. |
| Overall Draft grade scale (15-100, realistically 50-86): |
|---|
| 85 – Perfect prospect | 83 – Perennial all-pro | 81 – Bluechip prospect | 80 – Likely all-pro | 79 – Day one quality starter or superstar potential | 78 – Day one starter w/ all-pro upside | 77 – Day one starter w/ high-end upside | 76 – Day One Starter | 75 – Boom or bust | 74 – Will become quality starter within 2-3 years | 73 – Boom or bust (high risk) | 72 – Will become starter within 2-3 years |
Recent Comments