The Indianapolis Colts are off to a 2-0 start this season, but have seen a lack of production from the offensive line so far.
Indy has recorded 3 sacks this season, one of the lowest in the league, with two of those sacks from the secondary; defensive end Samson Ebukam has recorded the only sack from the front 4.
The Colts need to see more production from the D-line to be able to dethrone the Houston Texans from the AFC South.
Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox names the Colts as a potential suitor for a former first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Mazi Smith.
“A 2023 first-round pick out of Michigan, Smith has appeared in 34 games and played 830 defensive snaps but recorded just 54 tackles and two sacks over his first two seasons. He’s been a healthy scratch in each of the Dallas Cowboys‘ first two games this year,” Knox wrote.”The arrival of Kenny Clark via the Micah Parsons trade has essentially made Smith an afterthought. The fact that Dallas has a (mostly) new coaching staff this season does nothing to brighten his future with the franchise.”
“However, Smith is a 6’3”, 337-pound defender, and size can’t be coached. He’s also just 24 years old and has two years remaining on his rookie contract. Teams looking for a rotational run-stopper or even a project to develop for the future should be willing to take a flier on him… The Cowboys should be willing to listen to any reasonable offer.
In Knox’s proposal, Indianapolis would trade a 6th round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to acquire the player’s talents.
Mazi Smith To Indy
GettyDallas Cowboys defensive tackle Mazi Smith
Mazi Smith has yet to play a snap for the Dallas Cowboys in the 2025 season.
Primarily a run stopper, Smith has logged 54 total tackles and 2 tackles, a disappointing number for a former first-rounder. Only 7 of Smith’s total career tackles have been for loss.
A change of scenery for Smith could benefit the player. Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer praised the DT, affirming that the player needs to be consistent.
“I had a great conversation with Mazi, just about the consistency,” Schottenheimer said. “Mazi is going to play a lot of really good football. He’s not even begun to reach his peak. But the consistency has not been there and therefore, if your philosophy is compete every day, then that’s what you have to do, make those decisions.”
If Smith were to find himself on the Colts, he could find consistent snaps on the field with the team’s new defensive coordinator.
New Defensive Coordinator
GettyIndianapolis Colts Defensive Coordinator Lou Anarumo
Part of the reason the Indianapolis Colts‘ defensive line is off to a slow start is the hiring of new defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo.
Many of the long-term players are adjusting to the new defensive scheme and could see increased output later in the season.
The Colts‘ defensive line could use a run stopper, as the team has almost let up 200 rushing yards after two weeks.
The trade deadline is in early November, so the Colts have time to decide if they want to add another d-lineman to the squad.
Colts Named Suitor For Former First Round Selection