2022 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Boye Mafe





  • Boye Mafe, 6-3/255

  • Defensive End

  • Minnesota


  • Boye Mafe Scouting Report
    By Charlie Campbell

    Strengths:
  • Fast edge rusher
  • Agility to dodge blockers
  • Quick feet
  • Good get-off
  • Closing speed
  • Nice ability to redirect
  • Pursuit defender
  • Plays with good leverage
  • Causes havoc behind the line of scrimmage
  • Disruptive
  • Chases running backs down from the backside
  • Consistent source of pass pressure
  • Regularly produces splash plays
  • Has some instincts and feel
  • Ability to bend around the corner




  • Weaknesses:
  • Lacks weight for the edge
  • Lacks length for the edge
  • Needs to get stronger for downhill runs
  • Struggles to shed blocks when linemen lock on
  • Could stand to improve and develop more pass-rushing moves
  • Tweener for a 4-3; needs more strength to be a base end


  • Summary: Over the past three seasons, Mafe would flash for the Golden Gophers and look like he was poised to take off at any time to morph into a dominating defensive end. The speed rusher never turned into that elite double-digit sacker, but he was atill a quality defenisve end for Minnesota. In 2019, Mafe rotated onto the field as a speed rusher and recorded 14 tackles ans three sacks. In the shortened 2020 season, he notched 27 tackles, 4.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. Mafe played his best football as a senior, recording 34 tackles, seven sacks and one forced fumble.

    The strength of Mafe’s pass-rushing game is how extremely fast he is off the edge, possessing excellent agility to weave around blockers. He has a quick first-step and a get-off to get tackles on their heels. Mafe is good in space while being dangerous standing up over tackles or putting his hand in the ground and rushing as a defensive end. He would be an excellent fit as a 3-4 outside linebacker at the next level. In a 4-3 defense, Mafe could be a right end, but he would be a liability as a run defender against pro left tackles. Another potential role could be as a Sam – strongside – linebacker on run downs who moves to defensive end for passing situations.



    In the ground game, Mafe struggles to shed blocks when linemen get their hands on him, and he also will have problems defending downhill runs coming straight at him. Mafe needs to continue to develop some his pass-rushing moves for the NFL because he is too reliant on speed and athleticism.

    Some NFL teams have Mafe graded in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, and he probably will be a second-day pick. Mafe could start out his career as a backup end who is a designated pass rusher in obvious passing situations. Over time, he could develop into a three-down starter, but Mafe needs the right system at the next level.



    Player Comparison: Cliff Avril. Mafe reminds me of Avril (6-3, 260). They are almost identical in size and fast edge rushers who can hunt quarterbacks. Both players are light in the run game as well. Avril was a quality pass rusher over his solid NFL career, and if Mafe pans out, I could see him being a pro comparable to Avril.






    RELATED LINKS:


    2022 NFL Mock Draft: Charlie’s | Walt’s


    2022 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings


    2022 NFL Draft Scouting Reports








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