Cowboys' first-round pick proves how key coach has earned team's respect
When the Dallas Cowboys went on the clock at No. 26 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, it seemed like two things hung in the balance: The team could grab Notre Dame's TE Michael Mayer, who was one of the most mocked players to the Cowboys or they could get one of the defenders that […]
When the Dallas Cowboys went on the clock at No. 26 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, it seemed like two things hung in the balance: The team could grab Notre Dame's TE Michael Mayer, who was one of the most mocked players to the Cowboys or they could get one of the defenders that had surprisingly fallen to their place like EDGE rusher Nolan Smith.
The Cowboys, however, did what they usually do: Their own thing. And they surprised many fans and media members in the process. How can you blame them? With Will McClay pretty much making the picks, the Cowboys have had tremendous success in the Draft over the last few years.
But you've got to admit: Dan Quinn's fingerprints are all over the Mazi Smith pick. At 26th overall, the team grabbed the Michigan product to be the nose tackle of the team.
Historically, the Cowboys had shown fans and media members alike that they didn't really value the safety and nose tackle positions all that much. Ahead of Quinn's third year in Dallas, the team has paid a three-year contract to safety Donovan Wilson and has now drafted a first-round big guy to play defensive line.
That starts with Quinn, who has earned the benefit of the doubt after turning the team's defense into the identity of the team and having it lead the NFL in takeaways in back-to-back years, something that wasn't witnessed since the Steel Curtain. His presence on the team has clearly changed the team's perspective on positions like Mazi's.
"We want to improve our run defense," HC Mike McCarthy told reporters following the first round of the NFL Draft. "That was a focal point and this clearly does it. This is an excellent fit for us."
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones admitted the team wouldn't have made that pick 10 years ago. But now, they understand the value of an impact-maker even if he doesn't light up the stat sheets. However, that doesn't mean Will McClay buys into the idea that Smith can't get to the quarterback.
"I think there's ability for him to be able to rush the passer," said McClay. "You watch the Michigan tape and he's playing in a flat stance and doesn't get after the passer. Well, you change things up, you put him with Dan (Quinn) and (DL coach Aden Durde) and within our defense not only can he stop the run but we feel like there's upside in rushing the passer, as well."
At the very least, Mazi will help his teammates get to the quarterback. By occupying blockers and causing havoc in the middle of the offensive line, the rookie out of Michigan will free up Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence to get their jobs done as edge rushers.
Last year, Quinn consistently figured out ways to get his interior defensive linemen and edge rushers in advantageous positions to deal some damage. Smith's presence on the defensive line will only make that easier for him. He can keep offensive lines from comfortably sliding to Parsons or Lawrence. He'll keep offenses from running it straight up the middle. He'll change the way the Cowboys play ball.
And Dallas likely understands his potential impact because of Quinn. The Cowboys DC has earned the respect of the team's front office. And we love to see it.
