Mazi Smith might be one of the most interesting prospects in the entire NFL class. Some teams may have removed him from their boards after a felony weapons charge. Regardless, Smith is one of those inside presences that every team would love to have. His ability to sniff out run plays and make tackles inside is impressive. Smith has the potential to be a pro bowler in the NFL, especially if he can become a little more agile to start becoming an impact pass rusher. 

The upside with Mazi is that he can become more agile and be a true three-tech defender who can generate a ton of pressure and impact the middle of the pocket. That’s the upside. 

Trying to watch Mazi Smith and #94 is REALLY sticking out on his tape. Kris Jenkins (#94) is an ideal 3T prospect. Versatility inside out. Can play some strong end. Nice length. Explosive off the ball. Special bend from the interior. Will be a top prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft. pic.twitter.com/agOEyppUFo

— Brandon Robinson (@BRobNFL) April 1, 2023

Missed most of the Combine workouts with a hamstring injury. Skipped most of his pro day workouts due to the hamstring. 

Mazi Smith’s scouting report

Athletic Ability (45)

Athleticism: 15 

• Speed (4/7) – Speed and quickness isn’t great. He will be fine inside of the box but any other movement is tough. Doesn’t have the speed to get back to the lap of the quarterback. 
• Lateral Quickness (5/8) – Offers some lateral ability but it isn’t much to write home about. 

Strength/Power: 20 

• Upper Body Strength (6/7) – Very strong and stout upper body. 
• Lower Body Strength (6/7) – Solid lower body build. Decently explosive and has the power to generate a strong bull rush. 
• Brute Power (5.5/6) – Absolute brute. Very difficult to move. 

Explosion/Burst: 10 

• First Step Burst (3.5/5) – Has solid burst with his first step. Plays with a lot of intensity. Doesn’t always time his first snap well, can often come off the ball very late. Gets overpowered in those situations. 
• Explosion (3.5/5) – Looks much more explosive on tape than he tested. 

Lineman Mechanics (20)

Containment: 10 

• Double Team Consistency (3.5/5) – Definitely drew double teams a lot. Didn’t always demand them with his play, but was disruptive enough to draw them relatively often. 
• Double Team Win (3/5) – Shows no real understanding of how to win against double teams. Very content to just contain them. 

Hand Technique: 10 

• Hand Placement (3/5) – Hand placement is okay, certainly doesn’t stand out. His intensity helps him win a lot of his reps. Flashes good hand placement, it’s just not consistent enough to note yet. 
• Hand Strength (4/5) – Very strong and heavy hands. Does an excellent job swiping and closing the space between him and the blocker with his power. Can get linemen off balance with his uneven cantor and attack. 

Defender Ability (30)

Tackling/Pursuit: 15

• Tackling Ability (7/8) – Vicious wrap up tackler. Very willing run defender. Wants to crush the ball carrier. 
• Space Defending (1/3) – Not a good space defender, much too indecisive. 
• Pursuit Angles (2/4) – Pursuit angles are alright but doesn’t have a lot of range. Most of his tackles will be working off of a block and lounging for a ball carrier. 

Instincts: 10 

• Recognition (3/5) – Shows some recognition as a run defender. Tends to overthink too much in space and as a pass rusher.
• Natural Instincts (3/5) – Instincts are not great. Shows solid ability to make plays and then he overthinks it. 

Pass Rush Ability: 5

• Pass Rush Consistency (3/5) – Not going to be a player who consistently impacts the pocket at the next level. Will have games where he can make an impact but they will be few and far between until he loses some weight. 

Overall: (75.5) – 3rd/4th Round