Multiple insiders hint at Dallas Cowboys’ roster decision on Mazi Smith ahead of cutdown day
It looks like a decision has been made on Mazi Smith before Tuesday.
Dallas Cowboys’ roster cuts are underway, but as of this writing, there haven’t been any surprises. We have yet to officially learn the fates of any high-profile players, but ahead of Tuesday’s roster cutdown deadline, it appears Brian Schottenheimer’s staff has made a decision on nose tackle Mazi Smith.
Multiple reporters, including 105.3 The Fan’s Bobby Belt and Bryan Broaddus, as well as Fort Worth Star-Telegram’s Nick Harris, are alluding to Smith surviving roster cuts. Broaddus wrote in a matter-of-fact post: “He’s on the squad.” Harris listed him among several roster bubble players that he sees on the team “after talking to some folks.”
No decision will be official until the Cowboys are done with cuts, but the tone from those with sources is clear: It sounds like Smith will be on the 53-man roster by the time the team is done putting together the team.
Mazi Smith will be one of few options for the Cowboys at nose tackle
The former first-rounder has been a controversial figure among Cowboys fans. The roster is in dire need of a quality nose tackle, and so far, Smith hasn’t looked the part. He’s had some good moments, but many of the issues that held him back in the first two seasons of his career are still evident on film. Even coach Schottenheimer acknowledged the young defensive lineman’s inconsistency.
“There’s been a lot of good with (Smith), but there’s been some inconsistency,” Schottenheimer told reporters Monday. “I thought he maximized his reps [in the final preseason game].”
However, it’s true the Cowboys have limited options at nose tackle. Smith provides size where Dallas lacks it. Defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus will bet on DL coach Aaron Whitecotton to develop Mazi’s technique to make him more of a weapon versus the run, which is where the Cowboys most need help.
With or without Smith on the 53, nose tackle will remain one of the biggest areas of concern on the Cowboys’ roster. Let’s see if the team targets a move down the road to boost the position group.
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