A case can be made that no Dallas Cowboys player has more eyes on him in training camp than Mazi Smith. It’s likely a make-or-break year for the team’s 2023 first-round pick after two underwhelming seasons as the starting nose tackle.
It seems that Smith will get every chance to reclaim his starting role, but the early signs from Oxnard don't bode well for the 24-year-old.
According to Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, none other than Perrion Winfrey saw extensive reps with the starting defense during Sunday’s padded practice. Signed shortly after mandatory minicamp, Winfrey has performed exceptionally well in the early going.
Cowboys aren't going to hand anything to Mazi Smith in 2025
With the arrow already pointing down for Smith, head coach Brian Schottenheimer revealed the Cowboys want the 24-year-old to play the one- and three-technique positions. Like his rookie year, Smith will once again be asked to get upfield. It didn't work for Dan Quinn and there is little evidence to suggest it will work for new defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus.
Cowboys reporters have shared clips of Smith getting blown off the ball, leading to explosive runs for Miles Sanders and Javonte Williams.
While training camp is meant to experimentation, it does not bode well for Smith that a fresh newcomer like Winfrey is already getting work with the first-team.
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A fourth-round pick by the Browns in 2022, Winfrey lasted just one year in Cleveland. He appeared in one game for the Jets in 2023 before spending last season in the UFL, where a dominant showing earned him All-UFL honors and put him back on the NFL radar.
It remains to be seen if Winfrey will make the 53-man roster, but he's emerged as a sleeper over the first week of camp. While it's not hard to stand out in the Cowboys' DT room, Winfrey deserves credit for making his presence felt. Whether it be deflecting passes or creating pressure, Winfrey has been among the surprise winners from the first handful of practices.
At the very least, Winfrey’s emergence serves as another litmus test for Smith. He has the first-round pedigree and familiarity on his side, but at this point, we’re grasping at straws.