The Seattle Seahawks nailed a fantastic 2022 NFL Draft class. In that class, there were several starters on both sides of the ball and several other key role players that can make a great transition this 2023 NFL season. Among the picks was former second-round pick and Minnesota Golden Gopher outside linebacker Boye Mafe. Mafe didn’t have the biggest rookie season for the Seahawks as the other rookies did. This year would be his sophomore season year as a backup behind Darrell Taylor. With Taylor out due to injury, it opens up room for Mafe to have potentially big training camp sessions. Through a week and a half of training camp, Mafe has been a surprisingly big stand-out player for Seattle. His impact could leave many coaches and Seahawks’ media wondering if he is ready to become a starter this upcoming season.
This Seahawk Could Break Out in his Sophomore Season
Boye Mafe Progressing Well into the Seahawks’ Training Camp
Mafia didn’t have the hardest start to his NFL career. In the 17 games played, with three of them being starts, Mafe accounted for 41 total tackles, three tackles for loss, and three sacks. He wasn’t a disappointment, however, as he was buried behind a great set of productive edge rushers, Uchenna Nwosu and Taylor. With Nwosu getting a contract extension and Taylor having a near Pro Bowl season, this off-season needed to be big for Mafe. After a solid mini camp session and a great start in the NFL training camp session, Mafe has been a player that can consistently start for the Seahawks’ developing defense. He has played more consistently from the linebacker corp, read the opposing offense better, and become more creative and aggressive in the way he attacks to make a big play in the backfield.
Head coach Pete Carroll labeled Mafe as the most improved player through this training camp. Mafe had a solid first preseason game for the Seahawks in the 24-13 home win over the Minnesota Vikings on August 10. Mafe accounted for three total tackles, two solo tackles, and one quarterback hit in limited playing time. He was one of the most consistent defenders in the run-and-passing game against the Vikings. He was given a run-defense grade of 84.6, the highest grade by any Seahawks’ defender. Mafe improved significantly this off-season, but this win over Minnesota was the first shown in a game.
Could Boye Mafe Be a Starter for the Seahawks in the Future?
Mafe is a player that was drafted to be a starter at the linebacker corp at some point in his career. His rookie season showed he wasn’t ready for the full transition into the NFL. This offseason, Mafe developed physically and mentally. As he continues to show his potential, the argument for Mafe starting becomes more convincing. This leaves Taylor on the outside of the starting rotation, but he could start as a weakside defensive end. This would move Dre’mont Jones as a three-technique defensive tackle to put Seattle back in a 4-3 defense. Mafe becoming a reliable starting outside linebacker only solidifies the Seahawks’ defense and their impressive 2022 NFL Draft class.
Main Image: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
