Scouting Notes
- Consistently controlled blockers, rather than being controlled.
- Tossed blockers aside countless times.
- Elite power and anchor to always hold his ground or push to the spot. When he wanted to get there, he got there.
- Started getting more comfortable with his hand checks and bull-rush as the games went on, getting more dominant down the stretch.
- Ridiculously elite movement for his size.
- Not a pass-rush specialist, but a great thumper and lane-plugger.
- At his best playing the Nose, facing the shortest path the the ball-carrier.
- Oddly had ridiculously low production.
- Doesn’t get around blockers, only through them.
- Poor finisher, got juked out plenty.
- Got bottled up at times against Steve Avila.
Short Summary
Mazi Smith is a FREAK. I don’t think I have ever seen anyone move the way he can at his size. It’s no wonder he was No. 1 overall on Bruce Feldman’s Freaks List. One would think that with such insane physical traits, Mazi Smith must either be one of the top prospects in this draft, and if not (as most scouts would say) he is a developmental project. After all, how could someone be so athletic and not ranked highly? He must be “raw”.
Contrary to popular belief, Mazi Smith IS a top prospect on my board. Aside from his freakish athleticism, he displayed elite abilities on the field as well. He showed power, discipline, and great hand strikes, and was a force on the interior.
Granted, there are some concerns. His complete lack of production could be shrugged aside if it wasn’t due to his struggles as a finisher, begging the question if he will have similar struggles in the NFL.
Still, even if he does, Mazi Smith is too talented to fail. I’d rather a hulking, powerful, and athletic D-Lineman that can’t tackle (but can consistently disrupt), than a good tackler who lacks those other traits. Mazi will be a star.
Scouting Card Key
- Age refers to the age of the player come draft night, rounded to the nearest half-age.
- Percentage numbers in the Player Info and Combine Stats sections – This refers to the percentile that number belongs to among all players at his position, going back nearly a decade.
- GP – Games Played
- TFLs – Tackles for Loss
- FF – Forced Fumbles.
- PRS – Pressures.
- PR Grade – Pass Rush Grade.
- IDL Snap% – Percentage of snaps played on the defensive interior (between the tackles).
- EDGE Snap% – Percentage of snaps played on the defensive edge (over or outside the tackle). This stat generally points to the athletic ability and positional dominance of a player. The more capable he is, the more time his coaches will plan for him to be on the edge.
- Double Team – The ability to be successful even when double-teamed. Playing on the interior, this won’t be a rare occurrence, and it’s crucial that players don’t get completely shut down. Of course, this is all relative, as it’s expected to be mostly unsuccessful in those situations.
Credit
Advanced stats – pff.com
Scouting card template / idea – Jordan Pun @Texans_Thoughts
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