Mazi Smith Scouting Report: A Beefed-Up And Athletic Nose Tackle

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.

D-line Stats

2022:

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.

Player Notes

Mazi Smith Bio

• 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