Logo

Former Cowboys Round 1 Pick Named 'Worst Player' at OTAs

Frisco, TX – June 3, 2025

In a shocking development at the Dallas Cowboys’ Organized Team Activities (OTAs), Mazi Smith, the defensive tackle selected in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, has been labeled the “worst player” on Day 3 of OTAs, according to a report from ESPN Dallas. Smith’s struggles are a significant blow to the team’s expectations, especially as the Cowboys desperately need to bolster their run defense, which has been a glaring weakness.

Mazi Smith’s Poor Performance

According to local reporter Calvin Watkins of ESPN Dallas, who spoke with multiple sources at the practice, Smith ranked dead last among defensive linemen participating in the OTA session. Watkins stated, “I talked to over 15 people who were at the OTA. The consensus was that Mazi Smith wasn’t just underwhelming—he was the worst player on the field that day. He was outshined by both rookies and veterans.”

Smith, drafted 26th overall in 2023 out of Michigan, was expected to be a cornerstone in addressing the Cowboys’ run defense woes. With an imposing frame (6’3”, 337 pounds), he was heralded for his strength and potential in college. However, over two seasons, Smith has recorded just 3 sacks and 34 tackles, a disappointing output for a first-round pick. Per Pro Football Focus (PFF), he ranked 207th out of 219 defensive linemen in the 2024 season with an overall grade of 34.7, while the Cowboys’ run defense was the NFL’s fourth-worst, allowing 2,331 yards and 25 rushing touchdowns.

Fierce Competition from a Rookie

Smith’s struggles at OTAs are magnified by the standout performance of Jay Toia, a defensive tackle selected in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft out of UCLA. Toia, standing at 6’2” and 342 pounds, has been given first-team reps during OTAs, a clear sign of the coaching staff’s confidence in his potential. Bleacher Report listed Toia among the standout rookies early in OTAs, describing him as “a classic, powerful nose tackle who absorbs blocks, resets the line of scrimmage, and frees up teammates to make plays.”

A source from The Landry Hat noted, “Toia is turning heads. He’s outperforming Mazi in run-stopping drills, and it’s raising questions about whether Smith can hold onto his spot.” The fact that a seventh-round pick like To

Owner David Tepper Admits He Lacks the Competence to Run Football Operations
Can you believe it? David Tepper, the "notorious" owner of the Carolina Panthers, has finally "confessed" a truth that team fans have been waiting for years: He doesn't have enough ability to handle everything himself! But hold on, this isn't a "disaster" – it's a "positive twist" that's saving the Panthers! Is Tepper "letting go" to let the team soar? Read now to uncover the "secret" behind this shocking statement! David Tepper, the billionaire famous for his "deep interference" style in the Carolina Panthers, has undergone an astonishing positive change in ownership. Instead of "micromanaging" every decision like before, Tepper is now less involved, allowing football operations to run independently under the guidance of experts. The result? The team is achieving stability and success beyond expectations, currently tied for first in the NFC South with potential to return to the playoffs after many "sinking" seasons! At the annual charity event Joy to the Carolinas on December 9, 2025, Tepper expressed confidence in the organization's new direction, implicitly admitting that he's not a "superhero" who can run everything himself. He said: "It's not bad at all. It's pretty good; it's all just building blocks, and we'll see where we go. We'll see what happens. We think, as I've said, Dave Canales, Dan Morgan, Brandt Tilis, and everyone in the organization, we're building something special in Carolina. And we've built it outside the community. We're building it on the field, so that's the overall picture. Hopefully, we can continue and have that for many years. That's what we're looking for." This "confession" is actually a wise acknowledgment: Tepper recognizes past mistakes when pushing for quick results, leading to a series of disastrous failures like continuous coach firings and poor draft choices. Now, he supports his professional picks – like head coach Dave Canales, general manager Dan Morgan, and vice president Brandt Tilis – without "interfering." Instead, Tepper focuses on infrastructure (like stadium upgrades) and community efforts, transforming himself from a "demanding boss" to a "silent supporter"! The Panthers are exceeding expectations at the end of the season, with solid gameplay and higher team spirit than ever. Optimism is spreading without the "must-win now" pressure – something that once caused the team to "break apart" under old Tepper. Fans, after years of "disappointment," now appreciate Tepper's enthusiasm and improved role as a true asset. Many fans on social media comment: "Finally, Tepper knows to 'let go' – and the Panthers are soaring because of it!" Some even predict that if this approach is maintained, the Panthers could become the "big boss" of the NFC South for many years to come. But is this "admission" a sign that Tepper is about to sell the team? Or just a "ploy" to appease fans? The Panthers ownership scandal is "hotter than ever" – and Tepper's words could change the team's history! What do you think, is Tepper really "incompetent" or is he "playing fair"? Comment now and follow for the next NFL "drama"!