Dane Brugler on Mazi Smith
The Athletic NFL Draft analyst Dane Brugler on Smith: A two-year starter at Michigan, Smith was the linchpin of the defensive line at nose tackle in coordinator Jesse Minter’s scheme, playing up and down the line. Although his backfield production is underwhelming, he is a better pass rusher than his career sacks (0.5) would indicate (finished second on the team with 25 pressures in 2022).
Ranked No. 1 on Bruce Feldman’s Freaks List, Smith plays with extraordinary power to welcome double teams or dismantle single blockers with his patient eyes and torqued hands. His football instincts are well developed to feel blocking pressures and track the football, however, he needs to be a more controlled finisher as a tackler.