Finding Broncos: Boye Mafe | Edge | Minnesota

Finding Broncos scouts the 2022 NFL Draft with one of the top edge defenders in the class.

Measurements

• Height: 6-foot-4
• Weight: 261 pounds
• Arms: 32-5/8 inches
• Hands: 9-7/8 inches

Combine Results

• 40-Yard Dash: 4.53 seconds
• Vertical Jump: 38 inches
• Broad Jump: 125 inches

Stats

Pros

• A natural athlete with plenty of explosion and power. 
• Footwork needs improvement, but he has good jab steps to set up his rush. 
• Excellent lateral range.
• Reliable tackler with strong hands. 
• Shows the ability to get off blocks quickly and make the play. 
• Does a great job of using leverage with his natural power to drive blockers back. 
• His chop move has elite power, freeing him from the block. 
• Tight ends can't handle him on the edge. 
• A long strider with great lateral agility. 
• Has a decently smooth change of direction. 
• Had an outstanding 2021 season where he picked up 42 total pressures (previous career-high was 17). 
• Has a natural burst and explodes off the snap. 

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Cons

• Many false steps as a pass rusher that can lead to a delay in his attack. 
• Could be looser with his movements and not as tight. 
• Has to improve his balance when getting after the quarterback. 
• Doesn't seem to have natural hands or instincts. 
• Hands and technique need vast improvement. 
• Footwork needs development. 
• A lacking pass rush arsenal.
• Has to learn a variety of counters and timing. 
• Limited experience: has played 1,086 snaps on defense over four years and never more than 500 snaps in a season. 
• Concerns abound about how best to use him in the NFL. 
• Much more natural working out of a 2-point stance, which could be limiting. 

Overview

NFL teams love athletes from the edge position, which Boye Mafe is. He tested extremely well at the Combine, and the drill work he did there was fantastic. Throughout the pre-draft process, starting at the Senior Bowl, Mafe's stock has climbed.

Technical aspects need to be developed or even cleaned up because he is still learning how to play the game. However, Mafe has all the tools and traits to work with and develop to become a talented edge in the NFL and can contribute right away as part of a rotation.

While Mafe's lack of experience will be a concern for a few teams, he does seem to be viewed similarly to Odafe Oweh. Both lacked experience and needed the technical areas to be developed or cleaned up, but they were great athletes. It will be interesting to see how high Mafe goes. 

Fit with Broncos

If the Denver Broncos still had the 40th overall pick, Mafe would be an excellent option, but they don't. With Bradley Chubb and Randy Gregory, Mafe could be the third guy in the rotation. 

Mafe could be developed to take over for Chubb after the season, potentially. However, the Broncos don't pick until No. 64 overall and it seems extremely unlikely Mafe will linger on the board that long. 

Mafe fits the Broncos' scheme and the personnel. His best work comes in a two-point stance and would fill Denver's need at the edge next year if Chubb and Malik Reed leave as unrestricted free agents. 

Grade: Late Round 1

Where he Goes: Late Round 1/Early Round 2

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