With the 27th pick of the draft, Tampa Bay look to strengthen their pass rush by selecting
Boye Mafe Edge, Minnesota
Mafe's performance at the Senior bowl rocketed him up Draft boards as he made life tough for Malik Willis, Sam Howell, and Bailey Zappe.
Overview
Mafe's evaluation requires the evaluator to focus more closely on the flashes than just the play-to-play action. His combination of rare explosive measurables with average fundamentals could make for a perfect storm of rapid development once he gets focused skill work at the pro level. His footwork is average and he lacks desired instincts as a rusher, but pairing efficient hand work with twitchy upper-body power could turn him into a productive rush bully. He has the traits and toughness to develop into an above-average starter as a 4-3 base end.
Strengths
- Explosive athlete with power.
- Jab steps can open inside/outside angles.
- Generates rush momentum with feet charging forward.
- Powerful chop obliterates outside hand of tackle.
- Leverage and power for serious stab-and-run potential.
- Flashes ability to dismantle tight ends at point of attack.
- Pursues through traffic with bend, leverage and speed.
- Long, lateral slides restrict cutback lanes on inside zone.
- Quick disengagement from block to slam into ball-carrier.
- Combination of range and play strength as tackle finisher.
Weaknesses
- False steps in his take-off as pass rusher.
- Upfield strides are a little tight and restricted.
- Inefficient pathways to the top of the rush.
- Doesn't get to rush counters in a timely fashion.
- Lacks natural instincts with hand usage.
- Gradual foot quickness working around the edge.
- Hands are more slippery than sticky when taking on blocks.
- Needs better balance through lateral block engagement.
Sources Tell Us
"The numbers the strength coach put out there on him are crazy. If he hits the (NFL Scouting) Combine like he's supposed to then he's going to shoot up there." -- Scout for NFC team
Combine Results
40 Yard Dash
4.53
Vertical Jump
38
Broad Jump
125
HEIGHT
6' 4"
WEIGHT
261 lbs
ARMS
32 5/8"
HANDS
9 7/8"
@Corbin is up
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