Instant grade for Cowboys' surprising first-round pick Mazi Smith

With their first pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys bolstered their defensive line by taking Mazi Smith from Michigan.

Smith is a massive defensive tackle who came into the Scouting Combine at 6-foot-3 and 323 pounds. He didn't do many drills, but ripped off 34 bench reps, showing off how powerful of a player he is.

For Dallas, they can use that strength in the middle of their D-line. Osa Odighizuwa has been a solid starter for them but at 280 pounds, he will benefit from the 323-pounder lining up next to him.

Grading Cowboys first-round pick of Mazi Smith

When the Buffalo Bills moved up to No. 25 to take Dalton Kincaid from Utah, it felt as though the Cowboys could go into panic mode.

We've all seen this happen with their front office but this time, they stuck with their board. Rather than reaching for another tight end, they decided to grab their highest-rated player, which was Smith.

It might not be a flashy name but he possesses a rare mixture of size and speed, making him a potential difference-maker.

Mazi Smith already has a fan in Dallas

Cowboys fans that don't pay attention to everything Micah Parsons says are missing out. The former No. 12 overall pick has been one of the best follows on social media and he doesn't hold back when it comes to his opinion on the roster around him.

For example, he let defensive coordinator Dan Quinn know he wanted Smith in Dallas.

It's easy to see why since Smith is going to do a lot of the dirty work, which will free up Parsons to get into the backfield with more ease.

That's part of what makes this pick a wise one. Smith might not rack up insane numbers but his impact will go far beyond his own stat sheet.