Raiders NFL Draft Prospect: Mazi Smith, DL, Michigan
The Las Vegas Raiders know they have work to do to become a playoff team again.
They must fill the number of defensive holes on their current roster to do so. Thankfully for the Josh McDaniels-Dave Ziegler regime, they have 12 draft picks to help them do just that.
The interior defensive line was one area that lacked any explosiveness on defense last season. The Raiders struggled to generate any production from the defensive tackle spots in Patrick Graham’s first year calling the defense.
One player who could help the Raiders stop the run and cause disruption on the interior is Michigan defensive lineman Mazi Smith, one of the best players on an elite defense that went to the College Football Playoffs.
Look closely at Smith and see if he would fit in the Silver and Black.
During his career with the Wolverines, Smith posted 88 tackles and six tackles for losses over a three-year span. He was a First-Team All-Big Ten selection for the Big Ten champions last season.
Smith stands at 6-3 and weighs a massive 337 pounds, checking all the boxes for a prototypical run-stuffer at the NFL level. He is also an incredible athlete for his size, being able to explode off the snap quickly and convert speed into power to shed blockers.
Some concerns with Smith’s game are his ability to stay on the field and his effectiveness as a three-down player. He doesn’t offer much in pass rushing and only recorded half a sack during his career.
Mazi Smith is the exact type of defensive tackle that Graham covets. If available in the second round, he would immediately provide a run-stopper and has upside as a pass rusher due to his athleticism.
The 2023 NFL Draft will go from April 27-29 and be held at Union Station in Kansas City, Mo. The 2023 NFL Year and Free Agency period began at 4 p.m. EDT on March 15.
The Raiders are expected to be significant players in the free-agent market this offseason.
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