Cowboys First-Round Pick Labeled "Worst in 5 Years" After OTAs
Dallas, TX – June 27, 2025
The Dallas Cowboys are facing scrutiny over their 2023 first-round selection, Mazi Smith, after a disappointing offseason performance during Organized Team Activities (OTAs). The defensive tackle, drafted 26th overall with a four-year, $13.27 million contract, has been branded the team’s “worst first-round pick in five years” by Bleacher Report analyst Matt Holder, a label gaining traction following the recent OTA sessions.
Smith’s struggles have been evident since his rookie year, where he managed just 13 tackles and 1.0 sack in 17 games. His 2024 season showed slight improvement with 41 tackles, 1.0 sack, and 4 tackles for loss, but his Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade of 34.7—207th out of 219 eligible defensive tackles—paints a grim picture. The Cowboys’ interior defensive line, ranked 30th in run defense (48.0 PFF grade), has suffered due to his inability to anchor against the run, a key reason for his draft selection.
OTAs, which concluded this week, amplified concerns. Coaches and analysts noted Smith’s lack of progress in technique and conditioning, especially against a revamped offensive line featuring rookie Tyler Guyton. “He’s not showing the fight we need,” an NFC scout told The Athletic. Holder’s assessment, published June 26, singled out Smith’s ongoing inconsistency, suggesting even Guyton’s rookie struggles might overshadow him.
The backlash intensified on social media, with #MaziSmith trending as fans voiced frustration. Smith’s physical gifts—6-foot-3, 337 pounds, and a No. 1 ranking on The Athletic’s 2022 “Freaks” list—once promised a dominant force, but his failure to translate college success (49 tackles at Michigan in 2022) into NFL impact has fueled criticism. NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein had warned of an overdraft, comparing him to Dontari Poe but noting Day 2 potential, a prophecy now haunting the Cowboys.
With minicamp looming and training camp set for late July, Smith’s roster spot is under threat. The addition of Solomon Thomas in free agency and competition from rookies like Jay Toia add pressure. “If he doesn’t step up soon, a trade or cut could be on the table,” Cowboys Wire speculated. With two years left on his deal, the $13 million investment hangs in the balance.
As the Cowboys aim for a Super Bowl push, Smith’s OTA performance has reignited debates about draft missteps. Unless he turns it around, the “worst pick” label may stick, marking a challenging chapter for Dallas’ defensive line
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