STRENGTHS
Mazi is a big, strong, powerful defensive tackle with the potential to be a run-stuffing disruptive force for the team that selects him. He is a natural nose tackle and I believe that is his best position in a 3/4 defense. He seems to like the challenge of being double team and does a good job against it. He does have good overall athleticism and when it’s called for will shoot a gap getting into the backfield and be disruptive. Mazi has the talent to be an effective defensive lineman for the team that selects him.
CONCERNS
Mazi may have the talent but I have to wonder looking at his film how coachable is he. He uses a stance at times, that looks like a frog and gives up his chest too early. But when he uses the correct stance, he looks the part of an effective defensive lineman. He is not very consistent at all using the techniques I know he has been taught, and in general, is not living up to his athletic talents at the college level and that is an issue for me. As far as any off-field issues, all I look at is his film. What has happened to him off the field doesn’t even enter into my evaluation, that’s for teams to figure out for themselves.
BOTTOM LINE: 4.44
There is a lot of talent and size but I’m not convinced Mazi is ready for the NFL. Right now, all I see is a developmental rotation defensive lineman who seems to be a specialist in playing the nose tackle position and is less effective at any other position. I mean, what the hell, if after four years you don’t even have a consistent stance what are evaluators supposed to think? Maybe Mazi will come to the NFL with a chip on his shoulder and prove me wrong but for me personally, I would let other teams do all the work. He should get drafted but I’m guessing it won’t be as early as he is thinking unless his workouts are something teams just can’t pass up on because of his size.
