Breaking; Cowboys’ Former First-Rounder and Superstar in Danger of Losing Starting Role to Rookie Jay Toia

The Dallas Cowboys are entering the 2025 season with high expectations and heavy scrutiny placed on several players—but none more so than 2023 first-round draft pick Mazi Smith. Once seen as a cornerstone of the defensive front, Smith now finds himself in jeopardy of losing his starting role.

Smith was drafted to be a dominant run-stopper in the middle of the Cowboys’ defense. However, he has yet to deliver on that promise. Despite his impressive physical tools and collegiate pedigree at Michigan, his NFL performance has been underwhelming. In fact, Smith earned just a 35.9 run-defense grade last season, ranking a dismal 201st out of 219 interior defensive linemen.

Much of Smith’s rookie struggles were blamed on former defensive coordinator Dan Quinn’s usage of him. But with a new regime in place—Brian Schottenheimer as head coach and Matt Eberflus as defensive coordinator—the excuses are quickly wearing thin. Schottenheimer has made it clear that starting roles will be earned, not given, and that every position with uncertainty—nose tackle included—will feature open competition.

This puts Smith squarely on the hot seat heading into training camp. According to Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, rookie seventh-round pick Jay Toia could seriously challenge Smith for the starting nose tackle job. Toia, a 335-pound anchor from UCLA, recorded 16 run stops in 12 games last season and brings a physical presence that the Cowboys desperately need in the middle of their line.

Behind Smith and Toia are Justin Rogers, another 2024 seventh-round pick, and Denzel Daxon, a second-year undrafted free agent. Despite being the most experienced nose tackle on the roster, Smith’s spot is anything but secure.

While the Cowboys may still consider adding a veteran to bolster the position, the pressure is now firmly on Smith to prove he belongs. His strength was a major asset in the draft, but it has yet to translate into consistent, fundamental play. If he fails to step up in camp, he could quickly be passed over by a hungry group of newcomers—especially Toia, who’s already making waves before his first NFL snap.