2023 BCS DL Scouting Report
Player: Mazi Smith
School: Michigan
Year: Junior
Games Watched: Illinois 2022, Michigan State 2022, Iowa 2022, Ohio State 2022
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Explosiveness: Doesn’t have the most explosive get off. Frequently late off the snap. Not asked to attack up field much in Michigan’s defensive scheme. When tasked with attacking a gap, he shows more quickness off the snap.
Pad Level/Leverage: Listed at 6-3 with a wide frame, he should have a natural leverage advantage. Consistency with keeping his pad level will allow him to withstand double teams more effectively. Gains control of the rep when he keeps his pads low and drives through the hips.
Pass Rush Plan: Has a small sample size of pass rush reps. When he does, Smith shows much better quickness getting up field. Will need development in terms of rush plan. Has a push/pull that he likes to use while engaged. Most likely resorts to a bull rush.
Run Defense: Shows the necessary play strength to hold the point of attack. Keeps his head up while engaged and uses that same strength to disengage and attack the ball carrier.
Versatility: Will float between 0 Tech and 3 Tech. Not built to rush from the edge. Shows the ability to have effective snaps anywhere on the interior.
Strength/Power: Has the natural strength to bull rush effectively. Shows some core strength to withstand double teams.
Block Shedding: Would be more effective shedding with improved hand usage and timing. Doesn’t seem to have the longest wingspan, so he will need to use quick and powerful hands to keep blockers from latching on to him.
Hand Usage: Would benefit from more use of counters to keep blockers out of his chest. With his athletic ability, improved use of pass rush moves would go a long way to making him a true interior threat.
Flexibility/Lat. Ability: Not the most flexible player and doesn’t have great lateral COD. Had a good rep against an Ohio State blocker, but couldn’t get low enough to maximize the effectiveness of his dip/rip to finish the play. Also had a rep where he had the QB directly in front of him and a simple side step left him grasping for air. Dropping weight would improve flexibility.
Gap Shooting: Shows real upside as a rusher and improved ball get off when tasked with attacking a single gap. Hard to stop once he gains momentum. athleticism really shows more when attacking rather than read/react.
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Explosiveness (15) – 12
Strength/Power (10) – 8
Pad Level/Leverage (10) – 7
Block Shedding (10) – 6
Pass Rush Plan (10) – 6
Hand Usage (10) – 6
Run Defense (10) – 7
Flexibility/Lat. Ability (10) – 6
Versatility (5) – 3
Gap Shooting (10) – 8
Grade: 69/100 – Day 2
Summary: Mazi Smith put up some gaudy athletic testing numbers while at Michigan. Some of that athletic upside translated to the field, but there is more untapped potential with Smith. Listed at as much as 337 by the school, Mazi Smith would probably benefit greatly by coming down in weight a bit to improve his movement skills and flexibility. Smith played in a scheme where he was often asked to read/react while playing the run first. I believe that Smith would play well early on in a more aggressive front where he can shoot the gaps and use his athletic gifts.
Report Author: EJ Holt
Twitter: @EJHolt_NFLDraft