We’re starting to see a consensus building in the mock draft industrial complex, which has the New Orleans Saints zeroing in on defensive tackle as their highest priority in the first round. And one 2023 draft prospect is being linked to the Saints more consistently than anyone else in recent days: Michigan Wolverines defensive tackle Mazi Smith.
Bleacher Report’s NFL Scouting Department — including analysts Brandon Thorn, Brent Sobleski, Cory Giddings, Derrik Klassen and Matt Holder — connected Smith to the Saints in their latest first-round mock draft at No. 29 overall. Here’s what they had to say about him:
The New Orleans Saints don’t see themselves in a rebuilding phase, even if they’ve been a mediocre squad over the last two seasons.
But they’re going full-speed ahead with Derek Carr as the new starting quarterback. The Saints also brought in running back Jamaal Williams and defensive tackles Nathan Shepherd and Khalen Saunders on three-year deals.
However, the defensive interior still requires further fortifications.
“New Orleans needed help on the defensive line even if David Onyemata didn’t depart for a division rival in free agency,” Holder said. “So, they could really use some reinforcements now.
“Michigan’s Mazi Smith is a typical high-ceiling, low-floor type of prospect. The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman deemed him the best athlete in college football over the summer. However, the flashes on film aren’t consistently there play after play.
“That will be key for the former Wolverine, as he will have plays in which his physical dominance is apparent, and then it disappears for several reps. The latter is too frequent. Still, if a team is betting on traits, Smith’s potential is worth the gamble.”
Smith enters the rotation as a developmental prospect, with enough upside to grow into a dominant force.
Smith is a good prospect, but he’s kind of limited to playing on running downs. He hasn’t produced consistently as a pass rusher. He has the athleticism to grow into that role, sure, but he’d be a run-stopper from the jump in New Orleans. Is that worth the 29th pick? Probably not, but the Saints often zig when they’re expected to zag. We can’t rule it out.
There are other early-round prospects at defensive tackle who would better fit what they need in the lineup as an athletic, disruptive interior presence: guys like Calijah Kancey (Pittsburgh), Keeanu Benton (Wisconsin), Gervon Dexter (Florida), and even Bryan Bresee (Clemson), though he needs more work than a lot of prognosticators like to bring up. Smith can play, but as far as the value in picking him at this slot and the role envisioned for him? The Saints could get better bang for their buck going in a different direction this early.
