2023 mock NFL Draft 2.0: Fallout from free agency wave and NFL Combine
Mazi Smith. 21. player. 811. . Defensive Tackle. Wolverines
On the clock: NFL Draft Pick No. 21: Los Angeles Chargers – Mazi Smith, Defensive Tackle, Michigan
Mock Draft 1.0 – Mazi Smith, Defensive Tackle, Michigan
The Los Angeles Chargers are a very talented outfit, but the one area that they’re sorely lacking in is run defense. Mazi Smith doesn’t offer too much of a pass-rush presence, but he’s an exceptionally talented run defender that can instantly help with their biggest weakness as the Chargers try to get past their divisional rivals in the Kansas City Chiefs.
While only recording 0.5 sacks for the year at Michigan, Smith is a perfect fit as a powerful nose tackle or two-down defensive tackle in a 4-3 base defense.
A good size at 6-foot-3 and 326 pounds, Smith had a lot of trouble handling double teams during his time at Michigan. He looks the perfect fit for the Chargers.
While a two-down specialist could raise some questions this early in the NFL Draft, the truth is that they’re in the sort of position where they have to make this pick.
Either that, or they could potentially trade down.